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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.01.05.697821

MR-μScope: a multi-scale and simultaneous MRI-miniaturized microscopy system for elucidating neurovascular coupling

Zhu, X.·Li, R.·Li, H.·Gu, L.·Chen, L.·Xu, J.·Chen, J.·Li, Y.·Rudin, M.·Thompson, G. J.·Zhou, N.·Ren, W.
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Abstract

Blood Oxygen Level Dependent functional MRI (BOLD-fMRI) revolutionized non-invasive brain mapping, yet the physiological origins of its signal, linking microscopic neurovascular activity to macroscopic hemodynamics, remain elusive. To bridge this gap, we developed MR-Scope: a simultaneous and multimodal platform that integrates preclinic high-field MRI (9.4T) and miniaturized fluorescence microscopy (Miniscope). Our system contains an MR-compatible Miniscope with electromagnetic shielding, a customized radiofrequency coil with a central optical window, and an adjustable animal cradle, enabling artifact-free acquisition of whole-brain fMRI alongside microscopic vascular dynamics. Phantom validation confirmed negligible cross-modal interference (fMRI SNR [≥] 15 dB; optical SNR [≥] 26 dB). MR-Scope captured stimulus-evoked microvascular dilation and blood flow velocity changes in the somatosensory cortex concurrent with BOLD signals, revealing vessel-size-dependent neurovascular coupling. MR-Scope provides an effective solution for deciphering multi-scale neurovascular interactions and offers unique potential for advancing research into brain function and disease mechanisms involving vascular pathology.

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Zhu, X., Li, R., Li, H., Gu, L., Chen, L., Xu, J., Chen, J., Li, Y., Rudin, M., Thompson, G. J., Zhou, N., Ren, W.. 2026-01-06. MR-μScope: a multi-scale and simultaneous MRI-miniaturized microscopy system for elucidating neurovascular coupling. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.01.05.697821

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