Rolf Grütter, Principal Investigator

Analyzing Spectra Using One-Dimensional and Two-Dimensional Methods

This research project focuses on analyzing one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra acquired using high-field NMR spectrometers on in vitro and in vivo data. Specifically, the research component is focused on detailing the information content of such spectra, spectral simulations, and the fitting of systems of 25 differential equations to time courses measured in vivo. The goal of this research is to pinpoint the modeling constraints that are necessary to determine the rate of neurotransmission in the brain in vivo and to measure approximately 20 neurochemicals simultaneously in vivo from very small volumes. The final goal of this research is to provide fundamental insights into the biochemical regulation of the brain and to understand the regulation of brain metabolism during hypoglycemia, which has been identified as the major roadblock in the treatment of diabetes.