The CoGENT is a Stanford University collaboration of clinical research studies on depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrena, survivors of childhood sexual abuse, and neurogenetic and neurodevelopmental disorders. The collaboration led by six PI's in the Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences of Psychology at Stanford University includes sharing resources for recruiting, biostatistical analysis, and neuroimaging.

As part of the CoGent collaboration, Dr. Allan Reiss and the SPNL contribute a major neuroimaging component.The Neuroimaging Core will emphasize anatomic and functional MRI, a technique which has been approved for use in several of the studies.

Neuroimaging Core

The Neuroimaging Core uses magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to enhance the quality and productivity of neuroscience investigation occurring within the base grants, and to provide a resource for young investigators who can benefit from utilizing this research tool in their scientific inquiries.

The choice of MR imaging as the primary imaging modality is based on several factors. First, MR offers outstanding soft tissue resolution, does not involve the use of ionizing radiation (particularly important in pediatric populations), and enables the study of brain structure, chemistry and function. In addition, MR imaging expertise in basic radiological sciences and clinical research implementation are outstanding at our institution.

In determining the optimal configuration of the Neuroimaging Core, a survey inquiring about the desirability of various MR imaging resources was distributed to base grant PI’s. In response to the replies, it was determined that the Core should be comprised of the following elements and associated resources: (1) imaging preparation procedures for optimizing subject compliance, (2) MR image acquisition, (3) MR image analysis, (4) fMRI experiment development and scientific programming. From this last element, we have developed a number of new software tools and methods for our neuroimaging core.

This neuroimaging research will allow for stimulus and paradigm development that can be used across multiple studies. The goal of such study is to increase efficiency and allow for cross study or cross-population comparisons. Another example of a gain in efficiency is through the proposed use of an fMRI simulator, a less expensive method for assisting subjects to acclimatize to the scanner. The simulator helps reduce both the total time of study in the real scanner and the numbers of subjects who cannot complete studies.