Abstract: Methods are provided for measuring glio-vascular pathway (“glymphatic system”) function in the brain of a mammal which include performing imaging of the brain and measuring cerebrospinal fluid-interstitial fluid (CSF-ISF) exchange in the brain. The methods can be used to track the exchange between CSF and ISF compartments. An imaging agent is optionally administered intrathecally. The imaging agent can be a negative or positive (paramagnetic) contrast agent and dynamic or contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain can be performed. The imaging agent can be a positron-emitting radionuclide tracer and positron emission tomography (PET) can be performed. Methods for treating diseases or disorders of the mammalian brain are also provided, in which the methods increase or decrease glymphatic clearance.

Abstract: Methods are provided for measuring glio-vascular pathway (“glymphatic system”) function in the brain of a mammal which include performing imaging of the brain and measuring cerebrospinal fluid-interstitial fluid (CSF-ISF) exchange in the brain. The methods can be used to track the exchange between CSF and ISF compartments. An imaging agent is optionally administered intrathecally. The imaging agent can be a negative or positive (paramagnetic) contrast agent and dynamic or contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain can be performed. The imaging agent can be a positron-emitting radionuclide tracer and positron emission tomography (PET) can be performed. Methods for treating diseases or disorders of the mammalian brain are also provided, in which the methods increase or decrease glymphatic clearance.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a conscious subject, such as a rat or human, in a strong magnetic field, such as that generated by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, includes sensors and wireless transmitter. The sensors detect physiological parameters of the subject, and the transmitter sends a wireless signal representing the parameters. A system for monitoring a conscious subject in a magnetic field includes a wireless monitor, wireless interface, and computer. The wireless monitor includes the sensors, filters, microcontroller, and wireless transmitter. The wireless interface receives the signal from the wireless monitor and transmits a corresponding signal to the computer.