Gradient-refocused echo-planar magnetic resonance (MR) images (TE = 18 msec) were acquired in rats during bolus injection of iron oxide particles, and the first pass of the contrast agent through the brain was monitored. In control rats, contrast agent (0.1 mmol/kg iron) produced significant signal-intensity (SI) reduction over the right hemisphere and similar declines over the left. SI loss occurred first in the cortex and basal ganglia and later in the periventricular regions, along the midline, and in the thalamic zone. Sequential volume-localized proton spectra acquired during transit of 0.02 mmol/kg iron showed substantial reduction in SI, slight asymmetric broadening, and no change in chemical shift of the water resonance. In rats with unilateral occlusion of the middle cerebral artery, peak reduction in ischemic brain SI was to 70% +/- 9% of control, while normal brain SI was reduced to 18% +/- 2% (P less than .01), allowing distinction of the ischemic regions. The presence and location of injury were confirmed with diffusion-weighted imaging and postmortem vital staining. These results demonstrate abnormal transit profiles in a rat model of regional brain ischemia. Evaluation of dynamic contrast delivery patterns may provide unique information in early brain ischemia.