Magnetization transfer MRS

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Abstract
This review deals with magnetization transfer (MT) effects observed in in vivo NMR spectroscopy. The basic experimental methods of MT experiments, the underlying kinetic mechanisms as well as the evaluation of measured data by fits to two‐ or three‐pool models are described. Experimental results of both 31P and 1H in vivo MRS are reviewed showing the potential of MT experiments to characterize kinetic equilibrium reactions. This includes reactions where all involved components are MR visible, as well as situations where one indirectly measures pools of bound spins which cannot directly be observed in vivo. In particular, MT effects are described which have been observed in in vivo 1H NMR spectra measured on the animal or human brain or on skeletal muscle. Possible mechanisms for the strong MT effects observed for the signals of creatine/phosphocreatine, lactate, alcohol and other metabolites are discussed. It is also emphasized that MT effects caused by water suppression techniques may lead to systematic errors in the quantification of in vivo 1H NMR spectra. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Abbreviations used: CIDNP chemically induced nuclear polarization NOE nuclear Overhauser effect SNR signal‐to‐noise ratio TRABI train of bipolar pulses 2D EXSY two‐dimensional exchange spectroscopy MEGA Mescher–Garwood water suppression WEFT water‐eliminated Fourier technique rf radio frequency cw continuous wave.