Dynamic Evaluation of Notch Signaling-Mediated Angiogenesis in Ischemic Rats Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The Notch signaling pathway plays a role in angiogenesis following brain ischemia.
• The gamma-secretase inhibitor DAPT effectively inhibits this pathway.
• Understanding DAPT's effect on stroke recovery is crucial for therapeutic development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of DAPT on angiogenesis in stroke repair.
• To utilize noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for monitoring these effects.
• To assess DAPT's potential in promoting post-stroke brain remodeling.

Main Methods:

• Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats.
• Rats received either DAPT or PBS treatment post-ischemia.
• MRI (T2WI, SWI, CBF) and histological analyses were performed over 4 weeks.

Main Results:

• DAPT treatment significantly enhanced angiogenesis in the ischemic boundary zone.
• Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) revealed increased vascularity.
• Histology confirmed elevated vascular density and increased cerebral blood flow (CBF) in DAPT-treated rats.

Conclusions:

• DAPT treatment augments angiogenesis and promotes brain remodeling after ischemic stroke.
• Elevated CBF levels are associated with DAPT-induced angiogenesis.
• MRI provides a dynamic and noninvasive method for evaluating these therapeutic effects.