Multiparametric MRI reveals dynamic changes in molecular signatures of injured spinal cord in monkeys.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To monitor the spontaneous recovery of cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) using longitudinal multiparametric MRI methods.

Methods

Quantitative MRI imaging including diffusion tensor imaging, magnetization transfer (MT), and chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) were conducted in anesthetized squirrel monkeys at 9.4T. The structural, cellular, and molecular features of the spinal cord were examined before and at different time points after a dorsal column lesion in each monkey.

Results

Images with MT contrast enhanced visualization of the gray and white matter boundaries and the lesion and permitted differentiation of core and rim compartments within an abnormal volume (AV). In the early weeks after SCI, both core and rim exhibited low cellular density an

SUBMITTER: Wang F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4405405 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature