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Schubert R, Frank F, Nagelmann N, Liebsch L, Schuldenzucker V, Schramke S, Wirsig M, Johnson H, Kim EY, Ott S, Hölzner E, Demokritov SO, Motlik J, Faber C, Reilmann R. Neuroimaging of a minipig model of Huntington's disease: Feasibility of volumetric, diffusion-weighted and spectroscopic assessments. J Neurosci Methods 2015; 265:46-55. [PMID: 26658298 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2015.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As novel treatment approaches for Huntington's disease (HD) evolve, the use of transgenic (tg) large animal models has been considered for preclinical safety and efficacy assessments. It is hoped that large animal models may provide higher reliability in translating preclinical findings to humans, e.g., by using similar endpoints and biomarkers. NEW METHOD We here investigated the feasibility to conduct MRI assessments in a recently developed tgHD model in the Libechov minipig. The model is characterized by high genetic homology to humans and a similar body mass and compartments. The minipig brain provides anatomical features that are attractive for imaging studies and could be used as endpoints for disease modifying preclinical studies similar to human HD. RESULTS We demonstrate that complex MRI protocols can be successfully acquired with tgHD and wild type (wt) Libechov minipigs. We show that acquisition of anatomical images applicable for volumetric assessments is feasible and outline the development of a segmented MRI brain atlas. Similarly diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) including fiber tractography is presented. We also demonstrate the feasibility to conduct in vivo metabolic assessments using MR spectroscopy. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS In human HD, these MRI methods are already validated and used as reliable biomarker of disease progression even before the onset of a clinical motor phenotype. CONCLUSIONS The results show that the minipig brain is well suited for MRI assessments in preclinical studies. We conclude that further characterization of phenotypical differences between tg and wt animals in sufficiently powered cross-sectional and longitudinal studies is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Schubert
- George-Huntington-Institute, Technology Park, Johann-Krane-Weg 27, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Frauke Frank
- George-Huntington-Institute, Technology Park, Johann-Krane-Weg 27, 48149 Muenster, Germany; Dept of Radiology, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Nina Nagelmann
- Dept of Radiology, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Lennart Liebsch
- Dept of Radiology, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Verena Schuldenzucker
- George-Huntington-Institute, Technology Park, Johann-Krane-Weg 27, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Sarah Schramke
- George-Huntington-Institute, Technology Park, Johann-Krane-Weg 27, 48149 Muenster, Germany; Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Maike Wirsig
- George-Huntington-Institute, Technology Park, Johann-Krane-Weg 27, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Hans Johnson
- Dept of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, IowaCity, IA, USA; Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, IowaCity, IA, USA
| | - Eun Young Kim
- Dept of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, IowaCity, IA, USA
| | - Stefanie Ott
- George-Huntington-Institute, Technology Park, Johann-Krane-Weg 27, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Eva Hölzner
- George-Huntington-Institute, Technology Park, Johann-Krane-Weg 27, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Sergej O Demokritov
- Department of Physics and Center for Nonlinear Science, University of Muenster, Germany
| | - Jan Motlik
- Laboratory of Cell Regeneration and Plasticity, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, v.v.i., AS CR, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Cornelius Faber
- Dept of Radiology, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Ralf Reilmann
- George-Huntington-Institute, Technology Park, Johann-Krane-Weg 27, 48149 Muenster, Germany; Dept of Radiology, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Muenster, Germany; Department of Neurology, University of Munster, Germany; Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler Str. 3, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
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Hypothalamic deep brain stimulation reduces weight gain in an obesity-animal model. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30672. [PMID: 22295102 PMCID: PMC3266267 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior studies of appetite regulatory networks, primarily in rodents, have established that targeted electrical stimulation of ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) can alter food intake patterns and metabolic homeostasis. Consideration of this method for weight modulation in humans with severe overeating disorders and morbid obesity can be further advanced by modeling procedures and assessing endpoints that can provide preclinical data on efficacy and safety. In this study we adapted human deep brain stimulation (DBS) stereotactic methods and instrumentation to demonstrate in a large animal model the modulation of weight gain with VMH-DBS. Female Göttingen minipigs were used because of their dietary habits, physiologic characteristics, and brain structures that resemble those of primates. Further, these animals become obese on extra-feeding regimens. DBS electrodes were first bilaterally implanted into the VMH of the animals (n = 8) which were then maintained on a restricted food regimen for 1 mo following the surgery. The daily amount of food was then doubled for the next 2 mo in all animals to produce obesity associated with extra calorie intake, with half of the animals (n = 4) concurrently receiving continuous low frequency (50 Hz) VMH-DBS. Adverse motoric or behavioral effects were not observed subsequent to the surgical procedure or during the DBS period. Throughout this 2 mo DBS period, all animals consumed the doubled amount of daily food. However, the animals that had received VMH-DBS showed a cumulative weight gain (6.1±0.4 kg; mean ± SEM) that was lower than the nonstimulated VMH-DBS animals (9.4±1.3 kg; p<0.05), suggestive of a DBS-associated increase in metabolic rate. These results in a porcine obesity model demonstrate the efficacy and behavioral safety of a low frequency VMH-DBS application as a potential clinical strategy for modulation of body weight.
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Sørensen J, Nielsen M, Rosendal F, Deding D, Ettrup K, Jensen K, Jørgensen R, Glud A, Meier K, Fitting L, Møller A, Alstrup A, Østergaard L, Bjarkam C. Development of neuromodulation treatments in a large animal model—Do neurosurgeons dream of electric pigs? PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2011; 194:97-103. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-53815-4.00014-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
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White E, Woolley M, Bienemann A, Johnson DE, Wyatt M, Murray G, Taylor H, Gill SS. A robust MRI-compatible system to facilitate highly accurate stereotactic administration of therapeutic agents to targets within the brain of a large animal model. J Neurosci Methods 2010; 195:78-87. [PMID: 21074564 PMCID: PMC3396852 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2010.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2010] [Revised: 10/06/2010] [Accepted: 10/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Achieving accurate intracranial electrode or catheter placement is critical in clinical practice in order to maximise the efficacy of deep brain stimulation and drug delivery respectively as well as to minimise side-effects. We have developed a highly accurate and robust method for MRI-guided, stereotactic delivery of catheters and electrodes to deep target structures in the brain of pigs. This study outlines the development of this equipment and animal model. Specifically this system enables reliable head immobilisation, acquisition of high-resolution MR images, precise co-registration of MRI and stereotactic spaces and overall rigidity to facilitate accurate burr hole-generation and catheter implantation. To demonstrate the utility of this system, in this study a total of twelve catheters were implanted into the putamen of six Large White Landrace pigs. All implants were accurately placed into the putamen. Target accuracy had a mean Euclidean distance of 0.623 mm (standard deviation of 0.33 mm). This method has allowed us to accurately insert fine cannulae, suitable for the administration of therapeutic agents by convection-enhanced delivery (CED), into the brain of pigs. This study provides summary evidence of a robust system for catheter implantation into the brain of a large animal model. We are currently using this stereotactic system, implantation procedure and animal model to develop catheter-based drug delivery systems that will be translated into human clinical trials, as well as to model the distribution of therapeutic agents administered by CED over large volumes of brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- E White
- Department of Neurosurgery, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, UK
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