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Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in non-human primates: MRI and MRS may predict the type of brain damage
T L Richards1, E C Alvord, J Peterson
1Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA.
Abstract:
Volume-localized proton spectroscopy and T2-weighted MRI were performed on 23 monkeys with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between temporal changes in lesion activity (measured on T2-weighted MRI), MRS [N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), creatine (CR), choline (CHO)], and the histologic definition of disease determined post-mortem. Animals were scanned in the same areas of the brain once a week before and after sensitization to myelin basic protein (BP). Histologic lesion types were predicted by a combination of preceding MRI and MRS measurements. Acutely fatal EAE lesions were large and monophasic as visualized by MRI, and increased CHO (p < 0.02, n = 16) and CHO/CR ratio (p < 0.001, n = 16) were detected by MRS at disease onset. Chronic EAE lesions were preceded by multiple inflammatory attacks as visualized by MRI and consistently low levels of NAA (p < 0.02, n = 13) and NAA/CR (p < 0.01, n = 13) which occurred after the initial attack. MRI negative brain regions (from animals that were sensitized to BP) were associated with low CHO/CR (p < 0.1, n = 5). The temporal correlation of MRI lesion activity and absolute MRS proton metabolites shows promise for predicting the subsequent duration and histologic type of lesions in EAE in non-human primates.
Insights
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) can predict lesion type and duration in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in non-human primates.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a model for multiple sclerosis.
- Non-human primates are valuable models for studying primate-specific neurological diseases.
- Understanding disease progression in EAE is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between MRI-detected lesion activity and MRS metabolite changes in EAE.
- To correlate imaging and spectroscopy findings with post-mortem histological disease definitions.
- To assess the predictive value of MRI and MRS for EAE lesion characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Volume-localized proton spectroscopy and T2-weighted MRI were performed weekly on 23 EAE-induced monkeys.
- Brain regions were scanned before and after sensitization to myelin basic protein (BP).
- MRS measured N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), creatine (CR), and choline (CHO) levels.
Main Results:
- Acutely fatal EAE lesions showed increased CHO and CHO/CR ratio at disease onset.
- Chronic EAE lesions were associated with consistently low NAA and NAA/CR levels after the initial attack.
- MRI-negative regions in BP-sensitized animals showed low CHO/CR ratios.
Conclusions:
- Temporal correlations between MRI lesion activity and MRS metabolites can predict EAE lesion duration and type.
- This approach shows promise for non-invasive monitoring and prediction of EAE progression in non-human primates.
- Findings contribute to understanding neuroinflammation and demyelination in primate models.