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MRI description of cerebral atrophy in mouse lemur primates
M Dhenain1, J L Michot, N Privat
1Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U 350, Institut Curie, 91405 Orsay, Cedex, France. Marc.Dhenain@curie.u-psud.fr
Abstract:
We assessed cerebral atrophy in mouse lemur primates (Microcebus murinus) by estimating CSF volume in their brains from 4.7 Tesla T2-weighted magnetic resonance images. Thirty animals aged from 1 to 10.3 years were imaged, 14 of them were followed for up to 2 years. Seven of these animals were examined for neuropathology. In 12 out of 17 animals older than 3.5 years, CSF volumes were increased. A subgroup of six animals had severe atrophy of the temporal lobe. Another subgroup of five animals displayed diffuse atrophy in addition to the temporal atrophy. One animal had a dilation of the external part of the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle in addition to the temporal atrophy. The three animals with diffuse atrophy that could be studied for neuropathology had diffuse cerebral amyloid deposits detected by immunocytochemistry. The other animals did not display amyloid deposits. Relations between the different types of atrophy as well as their causes will have to be assessed in future studies.
Insights
Cerebral atrophy, indicated by increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volumes, was observed in aging mouse lemurs. Some cases showed temporal lobe atrophy and diffuse cerebral amyloid deposits, suggesting potential links to neurodegeneration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Primatology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Cerebral atrophy is a hallmark of aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus) serve as a valuable non-human primate model for studying aging processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of cerebral atrophy in aging mouse lemurs.
- To correlate imaging findings with neuropathological examination, specifically searching for amyloid deposits.
Main Methods:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to estimate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volumes in 30 mouse lemurs aged 1-10.3 years.
- Longitudinal imaging was performed on 14 animals, and neuropathology was assessed in 7.
- Immunocytochemistry was employed to detect cerebral amyloid deposits.
Main Results:
- Increased CSF volumes, indicative of atrophy, were found in 12 out of 17 mouse lemurs older than 3.5 years.
- Subgroups exhibited severe temporal lobe atrophy and/or diffuse atrophy.
- Three animals with diffuse atrophy showed diffuse cerebral amyloid deposits, while others did not.
Conclusions:
- Aging mouse lemurs exhibit cerebral atrophy, characterized by increased CSF volume and focal or diffuse patterns.
- The presence of cerebral amyloid deposits in some atrophic brains suggests a potential link to Alzheimer's-like pathology.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the relationships and causes of different atrophy types in this primate model.