Our present study shows that transient changes in relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) induced by stimulation with bicuculline under six different conditions of anesthesia can be detected with high spatial resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Bicuculline was administered at a low dose to induce neural activation, and no seizure activity was noted. Of the six conditions, the maximal reaction to bicuculline was observed under 1.5% isoflurane in 60% nitrogen and 40% oxygen. Our results imply that the rCBV changes under this level of isoflurane anesthesia with body temperature maintained at 37.5degreesC are probably suitable for further fMRI studies. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.