Using functional and molecular MRI techniques to detect neuroinflammation and neuroprotection after traumatic brain injury.

ABSTRACT: This study was designed to investigate whether functional and molecular MRI techniques are sensitive biomarkers for assessment of neuroinflammation and drug efficacy after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats. We subjected rats to a controlled cortical impact model and used behavioral tests, histology, and immunofluorescence to assess whether flavonoid pinocembrin provides cerebral protection and improves functional recovery. Most importantly, we used multiple noninvasive structural, functional, and molecular MRI techniques to examine whether the pinocembrin-related neuroprotection and attenuation of neuroinflammation can be detected in vivo. Significant increases in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw) MRI signals were observed in the perilesional areas in u

SUBMITTER: Wang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5572149 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature