Work

In vivo Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Amyloid-β-Induced White Matter Damage in Mice

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) suggests the presence of white matter abnormality at the prodromal stage in human Alzheimer's disease (AD). OBJECTIVE: To use a mouse model of AD to determine whether the white matter abnormality detected by in vivo DTI is associated with functional deficits and axon damage. METHODS: Amyloid-β1-42 (Aβ1-42) was injected into the left lateral ventricle in mice. Two months after the injection, in vivo DTI and visual evoked potential (VEP) recordings were performed, followed by immunohistochemistry of phosphorylated neurofilament and myelin basic protein. RESULTS: DTI of Aβ1-42-treated mice showed a significant increase of radial diffusivity in white matter including the optic nerves and tracts. The abnormality was associated with decreased amplitude and increased latency of VEP. Immunohistochemistry confirmed a significant loss of axons and myelin integrity. CONCLUSION: White matter damage induced by Aβ1-42 in mice can be detected non-invasively by DTI.

Source: Journal of Alzheimer s Disease

DOI: 10.3233/jad-130236

Authors: Shu-Wei Sun, Hsiao-Fang Liang, Jennifer Mei, Dan Xu, Wei-Xing Shi

Institutions: University of California, Riverside, Loma Linda University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Neuroimaging Techniques and Applications

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke