Membrane potential plays a crucial role in various cellular functions, particularly in neuronal activation. However, existing techniques for measuring membrane potential are often invasive or have limited recording depth. In contrast, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers noninvasive imaging with desirable spatial resolution across a wide range. This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing MRI to detect membrane potential changes by measuring magnetic resonance parameters while manipulating the membrane potential in cultured cells and a rat model. The findings reveal that depolarization (or hyperpolarization) of the membrane potential leads to increased (or decreased) T2 relaxation times, while the macromolecular proton fraction shows an inverse relationship.