Ace Therapeutics offers imaging techniques that can be used in the study of a wide range of psychiatric disorders, including depression, panic disorder, phobias, and eating disorders. Studying the development of psychiatric disorders through the use of our neuroimaging methods may provide information not available to date from existing behavioral paradigms.

Introduction of Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) in Psychiatry

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive optical imaging technique that indirectly assesses neuronal activity by using near-infrared light to measure changes in tissue oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin. fNIRS can be used not only to study cortical activity in animals, but also to reveal abnormalities in brain function in animals with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Due to its safety, quietness, resistance to motion artifacts, and portability, fNIRS has become a tool that complements traditional imaging techniques for measuring subjects performing a variety of cognitive and behavioral tasks in test environments involving social interactions.

Fig. 1 The attenuation of light by the skull, scalp and meninges can be predicted by Monte Carlo simulation. (Chen WL, et al., 2020)

fNIRS Services

Ace Therapeutics has used fNIRS technology in a variety of model animals. Our strengths include the off-the-shelf availability of invasive technologies, multiple models of psychiatric disorders, genetically engineered models and advanced molecular genetic tools. With fNIRS, we can analyze energy metabolism and changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin in the animal brain to reflect regional changes in neuronal activation. We aim to use fNIRS to help researchers elucidate the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders and accelerate the process of researchers in the development of antipsychotic drugs.

How fNIRS Works?

fNIRS is a non-invasive brain imaging technique that measures changes in blood oxygen similar to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). fNIRS is a non-invasive brain imaging technique that measures changes in blood oxygen similar to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In the near-infrared spectrum, light penetrates biological tissues and is absorbed by chromophores such as oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin. fNIRS measures hemodynamic responses in the brain by light in the near-infrared wavelength range (~700-900 nm).

What Can We Help You Achieve in Psychiatry with fNIRS?

• Detecting changes in the type of hemoglobin in the brain
• Calculating temporal changes in cerebral blood flow
• Mapping regional changes in human brain function
• Studying the behavior of neurons in the brain
• Assessing cerebral hemodynamics
• Measuring changes in brain tissue concentrations of oxygenated (HbO₂) and deoxygenated (HbR) hemoglobin following neuronal activation
• Studying functional brain activity and higher cognitive functions
• Analyzing energy metabolism in the brain
• Investigating cortical perturbations in psychiatric conditions

Advantages

• High spatial and temporal resolution
• Off-the-shelf availability of invasive techniques
• Tolerant to body movements
• 360°observation of how neurodynamics are coordinated with other changes in the body

Ace Therapeutics offers fNIRS imaging services for the study of various brain regions, including frontal, visual, motor, auditory and somatosensory cortices. Please make an inquiry with the purpose of your study and we will be happy to assist you.

Reference

1. Chen WL, et al. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Its Clinical Application in the Field of Neuroscience: Advances and Future Directions. Front Neurosci. 2020, 14:724.