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Quantitative MRI Measures in SIV-Infected Macaque Brains
1Yerkes Imaging Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA ; Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA.
Abstract:
Multiple MRI modalities including Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), perfusion MRI, in vivo MR Spectroscopy (MRS), volumetric MRI, contrast-enhanced MRI, and functional MRI have demonstrated abnormalities of the structural and functional integrity as well as neurochemical alterations of the HIV-infected central nervous system (CNS). MRI has been proposed as a robust imaging approach for the characterization of the stage of progression in HIV infection. However, the interpretation of the MRI findings of HIV patients is complicated by the fact that these clinical studies cannot readily be controlled. Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infected macaques exhibit neuropathological symptoms similar to those of HIV patients, and are an important model for studying the course of CNS infection, cognitive impairment, and neuropathology of HIV disease as well as treatment efficacy. MRI of non-human primates (NHPs) is of limited benefit on most clinical scanners operating at or below 1.5 Tesla because this low field strength does not produce high-quality images of the relatively small NHP brain. Contemporary high field MRI (3T or more) for clinical use provides impressive sensitivity for magnetic resonance signal detection and is now accessible in many imaging centers and hospitals, facilitating the use of various MRI techniques in NHP studies. In this article, several high field MRI techniques and applications in macaque models of neuroAIDS are reviewed and the relation between quantitative MRI measures and blood T-cell alterations is discussed.
Insights
High-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) reveals central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) models of neuroAIDS. This advanced MRI approach aids in understanding HIV-related brain changes and treatment efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Primate Models
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection causes central nervous system (CNS) damage, affecting structural, functional, and neurochemical integrity.
- Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) in macaques serves as a crucial animal model for studying HIV-associated neuropathology and cognitive impairment.
- Low-field MRI (≤1.5T) provides inadequate resolution for small non-human primate (NHP) brains, limiting its utility in neuroAIDS research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques applicable to macaque models of neuroAIDS.
- To discuss the relationship between quantitative MRI measures and peripheral T-cell changes in SIV-infected macaques.
- To highlight the benefits of high-field MRI (≥3T) for studying neuroAIDS in NHPs.
Main Methods:
- Review of multiple high-field MRI modalities including Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), perfusion MRI, MR Spectroscopy (MRS), volumetric MRI, contrast-enhanced MRI, and functional MRI.
- Application of these MRI techniques in SIV-infected macaque models.
- Correlation analysis between quantitative MRI metrics and blood T-cell counts.
Main Results:
- High-field MRI demonstrates significant structural and functional brain abnormalities in SIV-infected macaques, mirroring human neuroAIDS.
- Quantitative MRI measures show correlations with T-cell alterations, indicating potential biomarkers for disease progression.
- Advanced MRI techniques provide detailed insights into neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and viral activity within the CNS.
Conclusions:
- High-field MRI is essential for detailed characterization of CNS pathology in NHP models of neuroAIDS.
- MRI findings in SIV models offer valuable insights into HIV neuropathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
- Quantitative MRI measures may serve as non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring disease progression and treatment response in neuroAIDS.
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