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MRI characteristics of Japanese macaque encephalomyelitis: Comparison to human diseases
Ian J Tagge1,2, Steven G Kohama3, Larry S Sherman3
1Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
Background And Purpose:
To describe MRI findings in Japanese macaque encephalomyelitis (JME) with emphasis on lesion characteristics, lesion evolution, normal-appearing brain tissue, and similarities to human demyelinating disease.
Methods:
MRI data were obtained from 114 Japanese macaques, 30 presenting neurological signs of JME. All animals were screened for presence of T2 -weighted white matter signal hyperintensities; animals with behavioral signs of JME were additionally screened for contrast-enhancing lesions. Whole-brain quantitative T1 maps were collected, and histogram analysis was performed with regression across age to evaluate microstructural changes in normal appearing brain tissue in JME and neurologically normal animals. Quantitative estimates of blood-brain-barrier (BBB) permeability to gadolinium-based-contrast agent (GBCA) were obtained in acute, GBCA-enhancing lesions. Longitudinal imaging data were acquired for 15 JME animals.
Results:
One hundred and seventy-three focal GBCA-enhancing lesions were identified in 30 animals demonstrating behavioral signs of neurological dysfunction. JME GBCA-enhancing lesions were typically focal and ovoid, demonstrating highest BBB GBCA permeability in the lesion core, similar to acute, focal multiple sclerosis lesions. New GBCA-enhancing lesions arose rapidly from normal-appearing tissue, and BBB permeability remained elevated for weeks. T1 values in normal-appearing tissue were significantly associated with age, but not with sex or disease.
Conclusions:
Intense, focal neuroinflammation is a key MRI finding in JME. Several features of JME compare directly to human inflammatory demyelinating diseases. Investigation of JME combined with the development and validation of noninvasive imaging biomarkers offers substantial potential to improve diagnostic specificity and contribute to the understanding of human demyelinating diseases.
Insights
Japanese macaque encephalomyelitis (JME) shows intense focal neuroinflammation on MRI, with lesions similar to human demyelinating diseases. This research aids in understanding JME and developing imaging biomarkers for human conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Veterinary Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Japanese macaque encephalomyelitis (JME) is a neurological condition affecting macaques.
- Understanding JME's MRI characteristics is crucial for comparative neurology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize MRI findings in JME, focusing on lesion evolution and normal-appearing brain tissue.
- To compare JME MRI features with human demyelinating diseases.
Main Methods:
- MRI data from 114 Japanese macaques, including 30 with JME, were analyzed.
- Quantitative T1 maps and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability to gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) were assessed.
- Longitudinal imaging was performed on 15 JME animals.
Main Results:
- 173 focal GBCA-enhancing lesions were identified in JME macaques.
- JME lesions exhibited high BBB permeability, similar to acute multiple sclerosis lesions.
- New lesions emerged rapidly, and BBB permeability remained elevated for weeks.
Conclusions:
- Focal neuroinflammation is a key MRI finding in JME.
- JME shares MRI features with human inflammatory demyelinating diseases.
- JME research can advance diagnostic biomarkers for human neurological conditions.
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