Longitudinal multiparametric MRI of traumatic spinal cord injury in animal models

Li Min Chen; Feng Wang; Arabinda Mishra; Pai-Feng Yang; Anirban Sengupta; Jamie L Reed; John C Gore

doi:10.1016/j.mri.2023.06.007

Longitudinal multiparametric MRI of traumatic spinal cord injury in animal models

Magn Reson Imaging. 2023 Oct:102:184-200. doi: 10.1016/j.mri.2023.06.007. Epub 2023 Jun 19.

Authors

Li Min Chen¹, Feng Wang², Arabinda Mishra², Pai-Feng Yang², Anirban Sengupta², Jamie L Reed², John C Gore³

Affiliations

¹ Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA. Electronic address: Limin.chen@vanderbilt.edu.
² Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
³ Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.

Abstract

Multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) technology enables non-invasive and quantitative assessments of the structural, molecular, and functional characteristics of various neurological diseases. Despite the recognized importance of studying spinal cord pathology, mpMRI applications in spinal cord research have been somewhat limited, partly due to technical challenges associated with spine imaging. However, advances in imaging techniques and improved image quality now allow longitudinal investigations of a comprehensive range of spinal cord pathological features by exploiting different endogenous MRI contrasts. This review summarizes the use of mpMRI techniques including blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT), and chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI in monitoring different aspects of spinal cord pathology. These aspects include cyst formation and axonal disruption, demyelination and remyelination, changes in the excitability of spinal grey matter and the integrity of intrinsic functional circuits, and non-specific molecular changes associated with secondary injury and neuroinflammation. These approaches are illustrated with reference to a nonhuman primate (NHP) model of traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries (SCI). We highlight the benefits of using NHP SCI models to guide future studies of human spinal cord pathology, and demonstrate how mpMRI can capture distinctive features of spinal cord pathology that were previously inaccessible. Furthermore, the development of mechanism-based MRI biomarkers from mpMRI studies can provide clinically useful imaging indices for understanding the mechanisms by which injured spinal cords progress and repair. These biomarkers can assist in the diagnosis, prognosis, and evaluation of therapies for SCI patients, potentially leading to improved outcomes.

Keywords: BOLD; CEST; Cervical spinal cord; DTI; Hand; Multi-parametric MRI; Nonhuman primate; QMT; Sensorimotor.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Diffusion Tensor Imaging / methods
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
Models, Animal
Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Spinal Cord / diagnostic imaging
Spinal Cord / pathology
Spinal Cord Injuries* / diagnostic imaging
Spinal Cord Injuries* / pathology

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding