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A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Protocol for Stroke Onset Time Estimation in Permanent Cerebral Ischemia
Published on: September 16, 2017
Serial diffusion tensor MRI after transient and permanent cerebral ischemia in nonhuman primates
Yutong Liu1, Helen E D'Arceuil, Susan Westmoreland
1Martinos Center, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129-2060, USA.
Stroke
|November 24, 2006
Summary
Serial MRI in macaques revealed stroke evolution patterns similar to humans. Diffusion tensor imaging and T2 parameters changed over time, correlating with histological damage, supporting nonhuman primate models for stroke research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Stroke research
- Primate models
Background:
- Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) is a common stroke model.
- Understanding stroke's temporal evolution is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Comparing MRI findings with histology provides validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To track the temporal changes in MRI parameters (T2, diffusion tensor imaging) after transient and permanent MCAo in macaques.
- To compare these MRI findings with histological analyses.
- To evaluate the utility of nonhuman primate models for stroke research.
Main Methods:
- Transient (3-hour) or permanent MCAo was induced in macaques.
- Conventional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging were performed serially up to 30 days post-MCAo.
- Brains were analyzed histologically after the final MRI scan.
Main Results:
- Apparent diffusion coefficient initially decreased, then increased above normal; fractional anisotropy initially increased, then decreased below normal; T2 increased and then declined.
- Reperfusion accelerated these MRI changes.
- MRI-defined lesion volumes correlated well with histological volumes; permanent MCAo showed more severe histological damage.
Conclusions:
- The MRI evolution of stroke in macaques closely resembles human stroke progression.
- Nonhuman primate models, particularly with serial MRI, are valuable for stroke research.
- This study validates the use of serial MRI in nonhuman primate stroke models.

