Simultaneous and noninvasive imaging of cerebral oxygen metabolic rate, blood flow and oxygen extraction fraction in stroke mice

► The stroke brain of MCAO mouse was studied using a new in vivo 17O MR imaging method. ► CMRO2, CBF and OEF were simultaneously and noninvasively imaged in mouse. ► CMRO2 and CBF were significantly lower in the MCAO affected brain region. ► In contrast, OEF was significantly higher in the MCAO affected brain region. ► 17O-MRI method is promising for studying abnormal oxygen metabolism and perfusion.