We demonstrate the feasibility of creatine chemical exchange saturation transfer (CrCEST) MRI in detecting altered pH in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse brain. In two early-stage AD models, namely Tau and APP mice, CrCEST contrast in the brain was significantly reduced compared to that of WT mice at 6-7 months (P<0.007). From MRS experiments, the brain creatine concentration between WT and AD mice was the same within error, which indicates that the reduced CrCEST contrast in the AD brain can be contributed mainly to pH reduction. Immunohistochemical analysis showed neuroinflammation in the APP mice, a potential factor for causing pH reduction.
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