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Updated: May 10, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
Perivenular brain lesions in a primate multiple sclerosis model at 7-tesla magnetic resonance imaging
María I Gaitán1, Pietro Maggi, Jillian Wohler
1Translational Neuroradiology Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, USA.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide in vivo assessment of tissue damage, allowing evaluation of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesion evolution over time--a perspective not obtainable with postmortem histopathology. Relapsing-remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an experimental model of MS that can be induced in the common marmoset, a small new world primate, and that causes perivenular white matter (WM) lesions similar to those observed in MS. METHODS Brain lesion development and evolution were studied in vivo and postmortem in four marmosets with EAE through serial T2- and T2*-weighted scans at 7-tesla. Supratentorial WM lesions were identified and characterized. RESULTS Of 97 lesions observed, 86 (88%) were clearly perivenular, and 62 (72%) developed around veins that were visible even prior to EAE induction. The perivenular configuration was confirmed by postmortem histopathology. Most affected veins, and their related perivascular Virchow-Robin spaces, passed into the subarachnoid space rather than the ventricles. CONCLUSION As in human MS, the intimate association between small veins and EAE lesions in the marmoset can be studied with serial in vivo MRI. This further strengthens the usefulness of this model for understanding the process of perivenular lesion development and accompanying tissue destruction in MS.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows in vivo study of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. In marmosets with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), MRI revealed lesions predominantly around small veins, mirroring MS pathology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Radiology
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers in vivo assessment of tissue damage, crucial for tracking multiple sclerosis (MS) lesion evolution.
- Relapsing-remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in marmosets serves as a primate model for MS, exhibiting perivenular white matter lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate brain lesion development and evolution in marmosets with EAE using serial MRI.
- To characterize supratentorial white matter lesions in the EAE marmoset model.
Main Methods:
- Serial 7-tesla T2- and T2*-weighted MRI scans were performed on four marmosets with EAE.
- In vivo and postmortem imaging and histopathology were used to identify and characterize brain lesions.
Main Results:
- Out of 97 observed lesions, 88% were perivenular, with 72% developing around pre-existing visible veins.
- Postmortem histopathology confirmed the perivenular nature of lesions.
- Affected veins and Virchow-Robin spaces primarily extended into the subarachnoid space.
Conclusions:
- The intimate association between small veins and EAE lesions in marmosets is observable via serial in vivo MRI.
- This model is valuable for understanding perivenular lesion development and tissue destruction in MS.
- The findings strengthen the marmoset EAE model's utility for MS research.
