Neuroscience 2004 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 684.12 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | MRI based <I>in vivo</I> monitoring of motor neuron degeneration in brainstem nuclei of G93A-SOD1 mice, an animal model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. |
| Authors: |
Angenstein, F.*1
; Niessen, H. G.1
; Goldschmidt, J.1
; Vielhaber, S.2
; Scheich, H.1
1Brenneckestr. 1, Inst. for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, 2Neurology II, 39118, University of Magdeburg, |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions - Neuromuscular Diseases |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Techniques in Neuroscience<br />- Staining, tracing and imaging techniques |
| Session: |
684. Neuromuscular Disease I Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Tuesday, October 26, 2004 11:00 AM-12:00 PM |
| Location: | San Diego Convention Center - Hall A-H, Board # AAA2 |
| Keywords: | ALS, NMR, mice |
Mice over-expressing the mutant human G93A-SOD1 (Superoxide Dismutase 1) are widely used as an animal model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is characterized by a progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the motor cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. The underlying mechanisms for the selective cell death of motor neurons are still uncertain. To study factors that cause selective neuron degeneration or therapeutical approaches to delay the progression of the disease, a method is required to monitor the state of motor neurons under in vivo conditions.
Using a Bruker Biospec 47/20 NMR scanner (4.7 T) we measured the signal intensities of motor nuclei within the brainstem of G93A-SOD1 mice and non-transgenic litter controls at days 50, 90, 112, and 130. T2-weighted MR-imaging performed at day 130 revealed a clear signal intensity enhancement compared to surrounding tissue in various motor nuclei within the brainstem, such as the hypoglossal nucleus (Nc. Nv XII), nucleus ambiguus (Nc. Nv IX, X), the facial nucleus (Nc. Nv VII), and trigeminal nucleus (Nc. Nv V). These signal intensities increased gradually over time and became detectable around day 90, corresponding to the onset of first clinical signs of a motor neuron disease. Comparable signal intensity changes were not noticeable in non-transgenic control mice. Morphological, the observed increased MRI signals correlate with the appearance and size of vacuoles within the neurons in this area as visualized by Nissl staining. Therefore, the quantification of signal intensity changes of motor nuclei within the brainstem can become a valuable tool to quantitatively evaluate the progression of the disease during various therapeutical approaches.
Using a Bruker Biospec 47/20 NMR scanner (4.7 T) we measured the signal intensities of motor nuclei within the brainstem of G93A-SOD1 mice and non-transgenic litter controls at days 50, 90, 112, and 130. T2-weighted MR-imaging performed at day 130 revealed a clear signal intensity enhancement compared to surrounding tissue in various motor nuclei within the brainstem, such as the hypoglossal nucleus (Nc. Nv XII), nucleus ambiguus (Nc. Nv IX, X), the facial nucleus (Nc. Nv VII), and trigeminal nucleus (Nc. Nv V). These signal intensities increased gradually over time and became detectable around day 90, corresponding to the onset of first clinical signs of a motor neuron disease. Comparable signal intensity changes were not noticeable in non-transgenic control mice. Morphological, the observed increased MRI signals correlate with the appearance and size of vacuoles within the neurons in this area as visualized by Nissl staining. Therefore, the quantification of signal intensity changes of motor nuclei within the brainstem can become a valuable tool to quantitatively evaluate the progression of the disease during various therapeutical approaches.
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2004 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. San Diego, CA: Society for Neuroscience, 2004. Online.
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