Mathematical modeling of the magnetization transfer effect in tissues

The term magnetization transfer (MT) describes a group of molecular processes causing incoherent exchange of magnetic energy between water and macromolecules in biological objects. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be sensitized to the MT effect using various magnetization preparation techniques. Since its introduction in early 90s, MT MRI has been used in various applications as a tool for quantitative or semi-quantitative tissue characterization and modification of tissue contrast. This review article provides an overview of biophysical mechanisms of MT in tissues, in-depth mathematical consideration of the widely used two-pool model of MT, and a summary of experimental methods used to study MT phenomena. (paper)