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Published on: July 17, 2020
MR imaging correlates of white-matter pathology in a preterm baboon model
Jennifer L Griffith1, Joshua S Shimony, Stephanie A Cousins
1Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA.
Introduction:
Cerebral white-matter (WM) abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlate with neurodevelopmental disability in infants born prematurely.
Results:
Quantitative histological measures of WM and ventricular volumes correlated with qualitative MRI scores of WM volume loss and ventriculomegaly. Diffuse astrocytosis was associated with signal abnormality on T(2)-weighted imaging and higher apparent diffusion coefficient in WM. Loss of oligodendrocytes was associated with lower relative anisotropy characterized by higher radial diffusivity values. The relationship between histopathology and MRI abnormalities was more pronounced in animals in the 28 d model, equivalent to the term human infant.
Discussion:
MRI reflects microstructural and anatomical abnormalities that are characteristic of WM injury in the preterm brain, and these changes are more evident on MRI at term-equivalent postmenstrual age.
Methods:
We assessed the histopathological correlates of MRI abnormalities in a baboon model of premature birth. Baboons were delivered at 125 d of gestation (dg, term ~185 dg) and maintained in an animal intensive care unit for 14 (n = 26) or 28 d (n = 17). Gestational control animals were delivered at 140 dg (n = 9) or 153 dg (n = 4). Cerebral WM in fixed brains was evaluated using MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and histopathology.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) accurately reflects white matter (WM) injury in preterm infants. These microstructural and anatomical changes are more apparent on MRI at term-equivalent postmenstrual age, correlating with neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Radiology
Background:
- Cerebral white matter (WM) abnormalities detected via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are linked to neurodevelopmental deficits in preterm infants.
- Understanding the relationship between MRI findings and underlying brain pathology is crucial for assessing preterm brain injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histopathological basis of MRI abnormalities in the white matter of preterm baboons.
- To correlate quantitative histological measures with qualitative MRI findings in a preclinical model of premature birth.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a baboon model of premature birth, delivering animals at 125 days of gestation and maintaining them for 14 or 28 days.
- Assessed cerebral white matter using MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and detailed histopathology.
- Included gestational control groups delivered at later stages of gestation.
Main Results:
- Quantitative histology of WM and ventricular volumes correlated with MRI scores for WM volume loss and ventriculomegaly.
- Diffuse astrocytosis was associated with T2-weighted imaging signal abnormalities and increased apparent diffusion coefficient in WM.
- Oligodendrocyte loss correlated with reduced relative anisotropy and increased radial diffusivity, indicating microstructural damage.
Conclusions:
- MRI effectively captures microstructural and anatomical abnormalities characteristic of white matter injury in the preterm brain.
- These MRI-detected changes are more pronounced at term-equivalent postmenstrual age, highlighting its utility for assessing injury progression.
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