Neuroscience 2003 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 630.10 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Quantitative measurement of neurodegeneration in ALS-PDC model using MRI. |
| Authors: |
Petrik, M. S.*1
; Wilson, J. M. B.2
; Grant, S. C.4
; Blackband, S. J.4
; Shaw, C. A.1,2,3
1Ophthalmology, Univ. of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada 2Neurosci., Univ. of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada 3Physiology, Univ. of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada 4FL, 828W10th ave, V5Z 1L8, |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions - Neurodegenerative Disorders -- ALS |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions<br />- Neurodegenerative Disorders<br />-- Other |
| Session: |
630. ALS IV Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Tuesday, November 11, 2003 9:00 AM-10:00 AM |
| Location: | Morial Convention Center - Hall F-I, Board # KK9 |
| Keywords: | ALS, ALZHEIMER, PARKINSON, BRAIN IMAGING |
Cycad (Cycas micronesica K.D. Hill) feeding has been shown to induce neurodegeneration in vivo that mimics the progressive neurological disease, ALS-PDC (Wilson et al., 2002). Previously, specific cortical and subcortical cell loss was measured with stained 2D sections. In this study, MRI images were used to examine neurodegeneration in 3D. Mice were fed washed cycad as part of their normal diet for 2 months and showed progressive motor and cognitive behavioral deficits resembling human ALS-PDC. Animals were perfused and CNS tissue was scanned using a 750MHZ MRI with a 17.6T magnet. T2* and diffusion tensor scans were conducted on both spinal cord and brain samples. MRI data files were then analyzed using Amira 3.0 software to segment out areas of interest and measure volumes and cortical thickness. Resolution of the scans was ~40µm. Cycad-fed mice showed significantly decreased substantia nigra, striatum, and olfactory bulb (granular layer) volumes. Cycad-fed mice that received stem cell injections displayed decreases in these same areas. Cortical measurements revealed that the cycad-fed mice also showed decreased cortical thickness in primary and secondary somatosensory cortexes, including hind limb cortex. Diffusion tensor imaging demonstrated changes in regions of the brains and spinal cords of cycad-fed mice, which may indicate an alteration in axonal tracts. These results show that MRI imaging is sensitive enough to measure degeneration in early stage model of a progressive neurological disease. The merits of this analysis may be used in the future as a diagnostic aid in tracking the progression of neurological disease, and serve as a tool for future neurological disease research.
Supported by ALS Assocation, SRCF, NSERC, and the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (#DAMD17-02-1-0678) (to CAS)
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2003 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2003. Online.
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