We assessed vascular disruption in rTg4510 mouse (age of 6 and 9 months), a tau expressing transgenic animal model of Alzheimer’s disease, using MRI metrics such as vessel size index (VSI), Gd-DTPA leakge through BBB and water exchange index (WEI). The rTg4510 mice showed age-dependent expansion of the hippocampal lesion and profound vascular alteration around the hippocampal lesion: Increase in VSI, mild Gd-DTPA leakage and increased WEI. Our findings suggest the role of vascular components in development of Alzheimer’s disease with tau pathology. Vascular MRI assessments might have a potential application in early diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer’s disease.
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