Glial activation colocalizes with structural abnormalities in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate brain structural abnormalities in relation to glial activation in the same cohort of participants.

Methods

Ten individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and 10 matched healthy controls underwent brain imaging using integrated MR/PET and the radioligand [¹¹C]-PBR28. Diagnosis history and clinical assessments including Upper Motor Neuron Burden Scale (UMNB) were obtained from patients with ALS. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) analyses including tract-based spatial statistics and tractography were applied. DTI metrics including fractional anisotropy (FA) and diffusivities (mean, axial, and radial) were measured in regions of interest. Cortical thickness was assessed using surface-based analysis.

SUBMITTER: Alshikho MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5207001 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature