Abstract #3143

Grey matter atrophy measured with MRI correlates with reduced neuronal density in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model of multiple sclerosis

A. Max Hamilton^1,2,3,4, Nils D. Forkert^1,2, Ying Wu^1,2,3,4, James A. Rogers^2,3, V. Wee Yong^2,3, and Jeff F. Dunn^1,2,3,4

¹Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, ²Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, ³Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, ⁴Experimental Imaging Center, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada

Atrophy is a clinical marker of neurodegeneration and progressive disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). To test neuroprotective treatments aimed at reducing atrophy, mouse models featuring atrophy are needed. We have shown the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model features atrophy, though we do not know if EAE atrophy is caused by neurodegeneration, as it is in MS. We used MRI and atlas-based regional volumetrics to measure atrophy in EAE, while using immunohistochemistry to measure neurodegeneration. Atrophy measured in the cerebellum and cerebral cortex correlated with neuronal loss, suggesting we can use EAE along with MRI to test neuroprotective therapies.

This abstract and the presentation materials are available to members only; a login is required.

Join Here