Detection of changes in membrane potential by magnetic resonance imaging

Membrane potential plays a crucial role in various cellular functions. However, existing techniques for measuring membrane potential are often invasive or have limited recording depth. In contrast, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers noninvasive imaging with desirable spatial resolution over large areas. This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing MRI to detect membrane potential changes by measuring magnetic resonance parameters while manipulating membrane potential in cultured cells andin vivorat models. Our findings reveal that depolarization (or hyperpolarization) of the membrane potential increases (or decreases) theT₂relaxation time, while the ratio of bound to free water proton shows the opposite trend. These findings also suggest a pioneering approach to noninvasively detect changes in membrane potential using MRI.