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Aging macaques bridge the translational gap in perivascular space biology
William A Liguore1, Daniel L Schwartz2,3, Juan Piantino4
1Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA.
Abstract:
The brain-wide burden of MR-visible perivascular spaces (PVS) is age-dependent in rhesus macaques. Automated quantification in 94 male and female animals ranging 5-28 years of age demonstrated a robust association of age with PVS count and volume, and an anatomical distribution paralleling that of humans. Preliminary ex vivo microscopy confirmed that an MRI-detected tubular structure corresponded to a perivascular space. These findings begin to establish the rhesus macaque as a tractable model for understanding the role of perivascular function in age-related brain vulnerability.
Insights
The number and size of brain perivascular spaces (PVS) increase with age in rhesus macaques, similar to humans. This establishes macaques as a model for studying age-related brain changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Comparative Medicine
Background:
- Perivascular spaces (PVS) are crucial for brain health.
- Age-related changes in PVS are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Understanding PVS in aging models is vital for human brain health research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the age-dependent burden of MR-visible perivascular spaces (PVS) in rhesus macaques.
- To establish the rhesus macaque as a model for studying age-related brain vulnerability.
Main Methods:
- Automated quantification of PVS using MRI in 94 rhesus macaques (5-28 years old).
- Analysis of PVS count, volume, and anatomical distribution.
- Ex vivo microscopy to confirm MRI-detected structures.
Main Results:
- A significant age-dependent increase in PVS count and volume was observed.
- The anatomical distribution of PVS in macaques paralleled that in humans.
- Ex vivo microscopy validated MRI findings of PVS.
Conclusions:
- Rhesus macaques exhibit age-related changes in PVS comparable to humans.
- The rhesus macaque is a suitable model for investigating PVS function in aging.
- This research provides a foundation for understanding age-related brain vulnerability.
