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Ni R. Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Animal Models of Alzheimer's Disease Amyloidosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12768. [PMID: 34884573 PMCID: PMC8657987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-beta (Aβ) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Aberrant Aβ accumulation induces neuroinflammation, cerebrovascular alterations, and synaptic deficits, leading to cognitive impairment. Animal models recapitulating the Aβ pathology, such as transgenic, knock-in mouse and rat models, have facilitated the understanding of disease mechanisms and the development of therapeutics targeting Aβ. There is a rapid advance in high-field MRI in small animals. Versatile high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences, such as diffusion tensor imaging, arterial spin labeling, resting-state functional MRI, anatomical MRI, and MR spectroscopy, as well as contrast agents, have been developed for preclinical imaging in animal models. These tools have enabled high-resolution in vivo structural, functional, and molecular readouts with a whole-brain field of view. MRI has been used to visualize non-invasively the Aβ deposits, synaptic deficits, regional brain atrophy, impairment in white matter integrity, functional connectivity, and cerebrovascular and glymphatic system in animal models of Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis. Many of the readouts are translational toward clinical MRI applications in patients with Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in MRI for visualizing the pathophysiology in amyloidosis animal models. We discuss the outstanding challenges in brain imaging using MRI in small animals and propose future outlook in visualizing Aβ-related alterations in the brains of animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich & University of Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Zurich, Switzerland
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Multifunctional imaging of amyloid-beta peptides with a new gadolinium-based contrast agent in Alzheimer’s disease. J IND ENG CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2019.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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3
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Gupta J, Fatima MT, Islam Z, Khan RH, Uversky VN, Salahuddin P. Nanoparticle formulations in the diagnosis and therapy of Alzheimer's disease. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 130:515-526. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.02.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Salerno M, Santo Domingo Porqueras D. Alzheimer's disease: The use of contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging to detect amyloid beta peptide inside the brain. Coord Chem Rev 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2016.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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5
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Long-term dantrolene treatment reduced intraneuronal amyloid in aged Alzheimer triple transgenic mice. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2016; 29:184-191. [PMID: 25650693 DOI: 10.1097/wad.0000000000000075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the long-term treatment of dantrolene on amyloid and tau neuropathology, brain volume, and cognitive function in aged triple transgenic Alzheimer (3xTg-AD) mice. Fifteen-month old 3xTg-AD mice and wild-type controls were treated with oral dantrolene (5 mg/kg) or vehicle control twice a week for 6 months. Learning and memory were examined using the Morris Water Maze at 21 and 22 months of age. After the behavioral testing, hippocampal and cortical brain volumes were calculated with magnetic resonance imaging and motor function was evaluated using the rotorod. The amyloid burden and tau neurofibrillary tangles in the hippocampus were determined using immunohistochemistry. We found that dantrolene significantly decreased the intraneuronal amyloid accumulation by as much as 76% compared with its corresponding vehicle control, together with a trend to reduce phosphorylated tau in the hippocampus. No significant differences could be detected in hippocampal or cortical brain volume, motor function or cognition among all experimental groups, indicating that the mice were still presymptomatic for Alzheimer disease. Thus, presymptomatic and long-term dantrolene treatment significantly decreased the intraneuronal amyloid burden in aged 3xTg-AD mice before significant changes in brain volume, or cognition.
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Gd-nanoparticles functionalization with specific peptides for ß-amyloid plaques targeting. J Nanobiotechnology 2016; 14:60. [PMID: 27455834 PMCID: PMC4960888 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-016-0212-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyloidoses are characterized by the extracellular deposition of insoluble fibrillar proteinaceous aggregates highly organized into cross-β structure and referred to as amyloid fibrils. Nowadays, the diagnosis of these diseases remains tedious and involves multiple examinations while an early and accurate protein typing is crucial for the patients' treatment. Routinely used neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) using Pittsburgh compound B, [(11)C]PIB, provide structural information and allow to assess the amyloid burden, respectively, but cannot discriminate between different amyloid deposits. Therefore, the availability of efficient multimodal imaging nanoparticles targeting specific amyloid fibrils would provide a minimally-invasive imaging tool useful for amyloidoses typing and early diagnosis. In the present study, we have functionalized gadolinium-based MRI nanoparticles (AGuIX) with peptides highly specific for Aβ amyloid fibrils, LPFFD and KLVFF. The capacity of such nanoparticles grafted with peptide to discriminate among different amyloid proteins, was tested with Aβ(1-42) fibrils and with mutated-(V30M) transthyretin (TTR) fibrils. RESULTS The results of surface plasmon resonance studies showed that both functionalized nanoparticles interact with Aβ(1-42) fibrils with equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) values of 403 and 350 µM respectively, whilst they did not interact with V30M-TTR fibrils. Similar experiments, performed with PIB, displayed an interaction both with Aβ(1-42) fibrils and V30M-TTR fibrils, with Kd values of 6 and 10 µM respectively, confirming this agent as a general amyloid fibril marker. Thereafter, the ability of functionalized nanoparticle to target and bind selectively Aβ aggregates was further investigated by immunohistochemistry on AD like-neuropathology brain tissue. Pictures clearly indicated that KLVFF-grafted or LPFFD-grafted to AGuIX nanoparticle recognized and bound the Aβ amyloid plaque localized in the mouse hippocampus. CONCLUSION These results constitute a first step for considering these functionalized nanoparticles as a valuable multimodal imaging tool to selectively discriminate and diagnose amyloidoses.
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Kincses ZT, Király A, Veréb D, Vécsei L. Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging Markers of Alzheimer's Disease and Its Retranslation to Rodent Models. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 47:277-90. [PMID: 26401552 DOI: 10.3233/jad-143195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The importance of imaging biomarkers has been acknowledged in the diagnosis and in the follow-up of Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the major causes of dementia. Next to the molecular biomarkers and PET imaging investigations, structural MRI approaches provide important information about the disease progression and about the pathomechanism. Furthermore,a growing body of literature retranslates these imaging biomarkers to various rodent models of the disease. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the macro- and microstructural imaging biomarkers of AD, concentrating on atrophy measures and diffusion MRI alterations. A survey is also given of the imaging approaches used in rodent models of dementias that can promote drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsigmond Tamas Kincses
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - András Király
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Dániel Veréb
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Szeged, Hungary
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Magisetty O, Dowlathabad MR, Raichurkar KP, Mannar SN. First magenetic resonance imaging studies on aluminium maltolate-treated aged New Zealand rabbits: an Alzheimer's animal model. Psychogeriatrics 2016; 16:263-7. [PMID: 26419490 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.12158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Revised: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease is a devastative neurodegenerative disorder. To date, there has been no animal model that could unravel the complete disease pathology. Magnetic resonance imaging has played a pivotal role in the quantitative assessment of brain tissue atrophy for a few decades. In particular, temporal lobe atrophy and ventricular dilatation have been found to be sensitive in Alzheimer's disease. METHODS The present study focused on the replication of these crucial pathological events to enable disease progression to be diagnosed at an early stage and stopped through the use of potential therapeutic strategies. RESULT The objective of this study was to show temporal lobe atrophy and ventricular dilatation in aluminium maltolate-treated aged New Zealand rabbit, and our study was able to demonstrate this for the first time. CONCLUSION The present study makes this animal model a substantial one for further molecular level studies and opens up new targets for potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obulesu Magisetty
- Department of Materials Science, Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki-305-8573, Japan
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Kärkkäinen E, Lahtinen HM, Närväinen J, Gröhn O, Tanila H. Brain Amyloidosis and BDNF Deficiency Have Opposite Effects on Brain Volumes in AβPP/PS1 Mice Both in vivo and ex vivo. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 46:929-46. [PMID: 26402627 DOI: 10.3233/jad-150059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumetry is widely used in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research and diagnostics alongside clinical assessment. Yet few MRI volumetry studies have been conducted in AD model mice with mixed results. We performed in vivo and ex vivo MRI and extensive postmortem histological analysis in transgenic mice derived from crossing amyloid plaque producing AβPP/PS1 mice with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) +/- mice. This allowed us to compare developmental volumetric changes due to BDNF deficiency with progressive changes due to amyloid accumulation. We found decreased whole brain volume at 3 months and decreased cortical volume at both 3 and 8 months in vivo in BDNF +/- Tg mice but increased whole brain and cortical volumes at 8 months in AβPP/PS1 mice. Consistent with this, the postmortem histological analysis showed decreased brain parenchymal area in BDNF +/- mice but an increase in AβPP/PS1 mice. BDNF gene deficiency did not affect brain amyloid load or astrogliosis, but led to decreased dentate gyrus length, whereas AβPP/PS1 mice had significantly increased amyloid load, astrogliosis, and decreased neurogenesis. Distinct and layer-specific effects were found in the hippocampus of AβPP/PS1 and BDNF +/- mice. In contrast to human AD patients, brain atrophy in amyloid producing mice appears to be masked by volume increase due to amyloid accumulation and especially accompanying astrogliosis. Our results indicate that cortical MRI volumetry can be used to some extent as a proxy to progressive brain amyloidosis in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Kärkkäinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Johanna Närväinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Olli Gröhn
- A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Heikki Tanila
- A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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AP39, a Mitochondria-Targeted Hydrogen Sulfide Donor, Supports Cellular Bioenergetics and Protects against Alzheimer's Disease by Preserving Mitochondrial Function in APP/PS1 Mice and Neurons. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2016; 2016:8360738. [PMID: 27057285 PMCID: PMC4753001 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8360738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that mitochondrial functions are altered in AD and play an important role in AD pathogenesis. It has been established that H2S homeostasis is balanced in AD. The emerging mitochondrial roles of H2S include antioxidation, antiapoptosis, and the modulation of cellular bioenergetics. Here, using primary neurons from the well-characterized APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model, we studied the effects of AP39 (a newly synthesized mitochondrially targeted H2S donor) on mitochondrial function. AP39 increased intracellular H2S levels, mainly in mitochondrial regions. AP39 exerted dose-dependent effects on mitochondrial activity in APP/PS1 neurons, including increased cellular bioenergy metabolism and cell viability at low concentrations (25–100 nM) and decreased energy production and cell viability at a high concentration (250 nM). Furthermore, AP39 (100 nM) increased ATP levels, protected mitochondrial DNA, and decreased ROS generation. AP39 regulated mitochondrial dynamics, shifting from fission toward fusion. After 6 weeks, AP39 administration to APP/PS1 mice significantly ameliorated their spatial memory deficits in the Morris water maze and NORT and reduced Aβ deposition in their brains. Additionally, AP39 inhibited brain atrophy in APP/PS1 mice. Based on these results, AP39 was proposed as a promising drug candidate for AD treatment, and its anti-AD mechanism may involve protection against mitochondrial damage.
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Eisenmenger LB, Huo EJ, Hoffman JM, Minoshima S, Matesan MC, Lewis DH, Lopresti BJ, Mathis CA, Okonkwo DO, Mountz JM. Advances in PET Imaging of Degenerative, Cerebrovascular, and Traumatic Causes of Dementia. Semin Nucl Med 2016; 46:57-87. [DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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12
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Curcumin-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles for detecting amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease mice using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Biomaterials 2015; 44:155-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Revised: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Adlard PA, Tran BA, Finkelstein DI, Desmond PM, Johnston LA, Bush AI, Egan GF. A review of β-amyloid neuroimaging in Alzheimer's disease. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:327. [PMID: 25400539 PMCID: PMC4215612 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide. As advancing age is the greatest risk factor for developing AD, the number of those afflicted is expected to increase markedly with the aging of the world's population. The inability to definitively diagnose AD until autopsy remains an impediment to establishing effective targeted treatments. Neuroimaging has enabled in vivo visualization of pathological changes in the brain associated with the disease, providing a greater understanding of its pathophysiological development and progression. However, neuroimaging biomarkers do not yet offer clear advantages over current clinical diagnostic criteria for them to be accepted into routine clinical use. Nonetheless, current insights from neuroimaging combined with the elucidation of biochemical and molecular processes in AD are informing the ongoing development of new imaging techniques and their application. Much of this research has been greatly assisted by the availability of transgenic mouse models of AD. In this review we summarize the main efforts of neuroimaging in AD in humans and in mouse models, with a specific focus on β-amyloid, and discuss the potential of new applications and novel approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Adlard
- Division of Mental Health, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Bob A. Tran
- Department of Radiology, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
| | - David I. Finkelstein
- Division of Mental Health, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Patricia M. Desmond
- Department of Radiology, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Radiology, The Royal Melbourne HospitalParkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Leigh A. Johnston
- Division of Mental Health, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ashley I. Bush
- Division of Mental Health, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Gary F. Egan
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash UniversityClayton, VIC, Australia
- School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash UniversityClayton, VIC, Australia
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Pathophysiological rat model of vascular dementia: magnetic resonance spectroscopy, microimaging and behavioral study. Brain Res 2014; 1568:10-20. [PMID: 24792309 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2014] [Revised: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and aging can be related to vascular dementia manifested by the decline in cognitive abilities and memory impairment. The identification of specific biomarkers of vascular disorder in early stages is important for the development of neuroprotective agents. In the present study, a three-vessel occlusion (3-VO) rat model of vascular dementia in the middle-aged rat brain was used to investigate the effect of global cerebral hypoperfusion. A multimodal study was performed using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, MR-microimaging, histology and behavioral tests. Our measurements showed a signal alteration in T2-weighted MR images, the elevation of T2 relaxation times and histologically proven neural cell death in the hippocampal area, as well as mild changes in concentration of proton and phosphorus metabolites. These changes were accompanied by mild behavioral alterations in the open field and slightly decreased habituation. The analysis of the effects of vascular pathology on cognitive functions and neurodegeneration can contribute to the development of new treatment strategies for early stages of neurodegeneration.
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Alzheimer's disease biomarkers: correspondence between human studies and animal models. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 56:116-30. [PMID: 23631871 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Revised: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents an escalating global threat as life expectancy and disease prevalence continue to increase. There is a considerable need for earlier diagnoses to improve clinical outcomes. Fluid biomarkers measured from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood, or imaging biomarkers have considerable potential to assist in the diagnosis and management of AD. An additional important utility of biomarkers is in novel therapeutic development and clinical trials to assess efficacy and side effects of therapeutic interventions. Because many biomarkers are initially examined in animal models, the extent to which markers translate from animals to humans is an important issue. The current review highlights many existing and pipeline biomarker approaches, focusing on the degree of correspondence between AD patients and animal models. The review also highlights the need for greater translational correspondence between human and animal biomarkers.
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Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), considered the commonest neurodegenerative cause of dementia, is associated with hallmark pathologies including extracellular amyloid-β protein (Aβ) deposition in extracellular senile plaques and vessels, and intraneuronal tau deposition as neurofibrillary tangles. Although AD is usually categorized as neurodegeneration distinct from cerebrovascular disease (CVD), studies have shown strong links between AD and CVD. There is evidence that vascular risk factors and CVD may accelerate Aβ 40-42 production/ aggregation/deposition and contribute to the pathology and symptomatology of AD. Aβ deposited along vessels also causes cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Amyloid imaging allows in vivo detection of AD pathology, opening the way for prevention and early treatment, if disease-modifying therapies in the pipeline show safety and efficacy. In this review, we review the role of vascular factors and Aβ, underlining that vascular risk factor management may be important for AD prevention and treatment.
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Bales KR. The value and limitations of transgenic mouse models used in drug discovery for Alzheimer's disease: an update. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2012; 7:281-97. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2012.666234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Qin Y, Zhu W, Zhan C, Zhao L, Wang J, Tian Q, Wang W. Investigation on positive correlation of increased brain iron deposition with cognitive impairment in Alzheimer disease by using quantitative MR R2′ mapping. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 31:578. [DOI: 10.1007/s11596-011-0493-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Baltes C, Princz-Kranz F, Rudin M, Mueggler T. Detecting amyloid-β plaques in Alzheimer's disease. Methods Mol Biol 2011; 711:511-33. [PMID: 21279620 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61737-992-5_26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
One of the major neuropathological changes characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is deposits of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in neocortical and subcortical regions of the AD brain. The histochemical detection of these lesions in postmortem brain tissue is necessary for definitive diagnosis of AD. Methods for their in vivo detection would greatly aid the diagnosis of AD in early stages when neuronal loss and related functional impairment are still limited and would also open the opportunity for effective therapeutic interventions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) theoretically provides the spatial resolution needed to resolve amyloid-β plaques. Although currently limited for clinical applications due to unfavorable long acquisition times, MRI has been used to visualize Aβ plaques in AD mouse models. The ability to detect amyloid-positive brain lesions in vivo using non-invasive imaging would allow to track disease progression and to monitor the efficacy of potential therapies in disease-modifying studies using transgenic models resembling AD pathology. Here, we provide MRI protocols for in vivo (mouse) and ex vivo (AD tissue samples) amyloid plaque imaging and the procedure for correlating these with thioflavin-S and iron-staining histology. Current challenges and limitations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christof Baltes
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Balducci C, Forloni G. APP transgenic mice: their use and limitations. Neuromolecular Med 2010; 13:117-37. [PMID: 21152995 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-010-8141-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2010] [Accepted: 11/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most widespread form of dementia. Its histopathological hallmarks include vascular and extracellular β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Gradual decline of cognitive functions linked to progressive synaptic loss makes patients unable to store new information in the earlier stages of the pathology, later becoming completely dependent because they are unable to do even elementary daily life actions. Although more than a hundred years have passed since Alois Alzheimer described the first case of AD, and despite many years of intense research, there are still many crucial points to be discovered in the neuropathological pathway. The development of transgenic mouse models engineered with overexpression of the amyloid precursor protein carrying familial AD mutations has been extremely useful. Transgenic mice present the hallmarks of the pathology, and histological and behavioural examination supports the amyloid hypothesis. As in human AD, extracellular Aβ deposits surrounded by activated astrocytes and microglia are typical features, together with synaptic and cognitive defects. Although animal models have been widely used, they are still being continuously developed in order to recapitulate some missing aspects of the disease. For instance, AD therapeutic agents tested in transgenic mice gave encouraging results which, however, were very disappointing in clinical trials. Neuronal cell death and NFTs typical of AD are much harder to replicate in these mice, which thus offer a fundamental but still imperfect tool for understanding and solving dementia pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Balducci
- Department of Neuroscience, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, via G. La Masa, 19, 20156, Milan, Italy.
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Vernon AC, Ballard C, Modo M. Neuroimaging for Lewy body disease: is the in vivo molecular imaging of α-synuclein neuropathology required and feasible? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 65:28-55. [PMID: 20685363 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2010.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2009] [Revised: 05/26/2010] [Accepted: 05/26/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein aggregation is a neuropathological hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease (PD), Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), collectively termed the α-synucleinopathies. Substantial advances in clinical criteria and neuroimaging technology over the last 20 years have allowed great strides in the detection and differential diagnosis of these disorders. Nevertheless, it is clear that whilst the array of different imaging modalities in clinical use allow for a robust diagnosis of α-synucleinopathy in comparison to healthy subjects, there is no clear diagnostic imaging marker that affords a reliable differential diagnosis between the different forms of Lewy body disease (LBD) or that could facilitate tracking of disease progression. This has led to a call for a biomarker based on the pathological hallmarks of these diseases, namely α-synuclein-positive Lewy bodies (LBs). This potentially may be advantageous in terms of early disease detection, but may also be leveraged into a potential marker of disease progression. We here aim to firstly review the current status of neuroimaging biomarkers in PD and related synucleinopathies. Secondly, we outline the rationale behind α-synuclein imaging as a potential novel biomarker as well as the potential benefits and limitations of this approach. Thirdly, we attempt to illustrate the likely technical hurdles to be overcome to permit successful in vivo imaging of α-synuclein pathology in the diseased brain. Our overriding aim is to provide a framework for discussion of how to address this major unmet clinical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony C Vernon
- Kings College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Denmark Hill campus, London, UK
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Waerzeggers Y, Monfared P, Viel T, Winkeler A, Jacobs AH. Mouse models in neurological disorders: applications of non-invasive imaging. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2010; 1802:819-39. [PMID: 20471478 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2010.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2009] [Revised: 04/26/2010] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuroimaging techniques represent powerful tools to assess disease-specific cellular, biochemical and molecular processes non-invasively in vivo. Besides providing precise anatomical localisation and quantification, the most exciting advantage of non-invasive imaging techniques is the opportunity to investigate the spatial and temporal dynamics of disease-specific functional and molecular events longitudinally in intact living organisms, so called molecular imaging (MI). Combining neuroimaging technologies with in vivo models of neurological disorders provides unique opportunities to understand the aetiology and pathophysiology of human neurological disorders. In this way, neuroimaging in mouse models of neurological disorders not only can be used for phenotyping specific diseases and monitoring disease progression but also plays an essential role in the development and evaluation of disease-specific treatment approaches. In this way MI is a key technology in translational research, helping to design improved disease models as well as experimental treatment protocols that may afterwards be implemented into clinical routine. The most widely used imaging modalities in animal models to assess in vivo anatomical, functional and molecular events are positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical imaging (OI). Here, we review the application of neuroimaging in mouse models of neurodegeneration (Parkinson's disease, PD, and Alzheimer's disease, AD) and brain cancer (glioma).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannic Waerzeggers
- Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Molecular Imaging at the Max Planck Institute for Neurological Research with Klaus-Joachim-Zülch Laboratories of the Max Planck Society and the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Schepkin VD, Brey WW, Gor'kov PL, Grant SC. Initial in vivo rodent sodium and proton MR imaging at 21.1 T. Magn Reson Imaging 2010; 28:400-7. [PMID: 20045599 PMCID: PMC2844785 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2009.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2009] [Revised: 09/14/2009] [Accepted: 10/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The first in vivo sodium and proton magnetic resonance (MR) images and localized spectra of rodents were attained using the wide bore (105 mm) high resolution 21.1-T magnet, built and operated at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (Tallahassee, FL, USA). Head images of normal mice (C57BL/6J) and Fisher rats (approximately 250 g) were acquired with custom designed radiofrequency probes at frequencies of 237/900 MHz for sodium and proton, respectively. Sodium MR imaging resolutions of approximately 0.125 microl for mouse and rat heads were achieved by using a 3D back-projection pulse sequence. A gain in SNR of approximately 3 for sodium and approximately 2 times for proton were found relative to corresponding MR images acquired at 9.4 T. 3D Fast Low Angle Shot (FLASH) proton mouse images (50x50x50 microm(3)) were acquired in 90 min and corresponding rat images (100x100x100 microm(3)) within a total time of 120 min. Both in vivo large rodent MR imaging and localized spectroscopy at the extremely high field of 21.1 T are feasible and demonstrate improved resolution and sensitivity valuable for structural and functional brain analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor D Schepkin
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310-4005, USA.
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Badea A, Johnson GA, Jankowsky JL. Remote sites of structural atrophy predict later amyloid formation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Neuroimage 2009; 50:416-27. [PMID: 20035883 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2009.12.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2009] [Revised: 12/05/2009] [Accepted: 12/15/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can provide a longitudinal view of neurological disease through repeated imaging of patients at successive stages of impairment. Until recently, the difficulty of manual delineation has limited volumetric analyses of MR data sets to a few select regions and a small number of subjects. Increased throughput offered by faster imaging methods, automated segmentation, and deformation-based morphometry have recently been applied to overcome this limitation with mouse models of neurological conditions. We use automated analyses to produce an unbiased view of volumetric changes in a transgenic mouse model for Alzheimer's disease (AD) at two points in the progression of disease: immediately before and shortly after the onset of amyloid formation. In addition to the cortex and hippocampus, where atrophy has been well documented in AD patients, we identify volumetric losses in the pons and substantia nigra where neurodegeneration has not been carefully examined. We find that deficits in cortical volume precede amyloid formation in this mouse model, similar to presymptomatic atrophy seen in patients with familial AD. Unexpectedly, volumetric losses identified by MR outside of the forebrain predict locations of future amyloid formation, such as the inferior colliculus and spinal nuclei, which develop pathology at very late stages of disease. Our work provides proof-of-principle that MR microscopy can expand our view of AD by offering a complete and unbiased examination of volumetric changes that guide us in revisiting the canonical neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Badea
- Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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McAteer MA, Choudhury RP. Chapter 4 - Applications of nanotechnology in molecular imaging of the brain. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2009; 180:72-96. [PMID: 20302829 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(08)80004-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Rapid advances in the field of nanotechnology promise revolutionary improvements in the diagnosis and therapy of neuroinflammatory disorders. An array of iron oxide nano- and microparticle agents have been developed for in vivo molecular magnetic resonance imaging (mMRI) of cerebrovascular endothelial targets, such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin, and the glycoprotein receptor GP IIb/IIIa expressed on activated platelets. Molecular markers of glioma cells, such as matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and markers for brain tumor angiogenesis, such as alpha (v) beta (3) integrin (alpha(v)beta(3)), have also been successfully targeted using nanoparticle imaging probes. This chapter provides an overview of targeted, iron oxide nano- and microparticles that have been applied for in vivo mMRI of the brain in experimental models of multiple sclerosis (MS), brain ischemia, cerebral malaria (CM), brain cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. The potential of targeted nanoparticle agents for application in clinical imaging is also discussed, including multimodal and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina A McAteer
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK.
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