Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
In vivo Imaging of Optic Nerve Fiber Integrity by Contrast-Enhanced MRI in Mice
Published on: July 22, 2014
Visualization of inflammation and demyelination in 2D2 transgenic mice with rodent MRI
Jordan C Bell1, Qingwei Liu, Yan Gan
1Department of Neurology and BNI-ASU Center for Preclinical Imaging, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, United States.
Abstract:
Research tools are urgently needed to elucidate the specificities of NMO and MS due to their clinical similarity at the early stage of the diseases. Herein, using high-field-strength MRI we characterized the optic nerve and spinal cord lesions in 2D2(tg) mice (MOG 35-55 specific TCR). Specifically, early Blood-brain Barrier breakdown was observed in 86% of the 2D2(tg) mice, while the majority of mice showed little to no brain lesions. Further, immunohistology showed inflammatory infiltrates and demyelination in the brain and spinal cord that mirrored sites of MRI lesions, along with a decrease in AQP4 protein at lesion sites. Collectively, 2D2(tg) mice develop optic and spinal cord lesions that can be visualized by high-field rodent MRI and verified by pathological assessment. The similarity of these lesions with those seen in NMO patients suggests that the 2D2(tg) mouse might serve as a model for NMO research.
Insights
New research tools are vital for differentiating neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and multiple sclerosis (MS). This study introduces a 2D2(tg) mouse model that develops optic and spinal cord lesions, aiding NMO research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and multiple sclerosis (MS) present similar early symptoms, necessitating better research models.
- Current research tools lack specificity for differentiating NMO and MS in early disease stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize optic nerve and spinal cord lesions in 2D2(tg) mice using high-field-strength MRI.
- To evaluate the potential of the 2D2(tg) mouse as a model for NMO research.
Main Methods:
- High-field-strength magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to analyze lesions in 2D2(tg) mice.
- Immunohistology was performed to assess inflammatory infiltrates, demyelination, and aquaporin-4 (AQP4) protein levels at lesion sites.
Main Results:
- Early Blood-brain Barrier (BBB) breakdown was detected in 86% of 2D2(tg) mice.
- MRI-identified lesions correlated with inflammatory infiltrates and demyelination in the brain and spinal cord.
- A decrease in AQP4 protein was observed at lesion sites, mirroring findings in NMO patients.
Conclusions:
- 2D2(tg) mice develop optic and spinal cord lesions detectable by high-field rodent MRI and pathological assessment.
- The characterized lesions in 2D2(tg) mice resemble those in human NMO patients.
- The 2D2(tg) mouse model shows promise for advancing NMO research.
