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Hladky SB, Barrand MA. Regulation of brain fluid volumes and pressures: basic principles, intracranial hypertension, ventriculomegaly and hydrocephalus. Fluids Barriers CNS 2024; 21:57. [PMID: 39020364 PMCID: PMC11253534 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-024-00532-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The principles of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production, circulation and outflow and regulation of fluid volumes and pressures in the normal brain are summarised. Abnormalities in these aspects in intracranial hypertension, ventriculomegaly and hydrocephalus are discussed. The brain parenchyma has a cellular framework with interstitial fluid (ISF) in the intervening spaces. Framework stress and interstitial fluid pressure (ISFP) combined provide the total stress which, after allowing for gravity, normally equals intracerebral pressure (ICP) with gradients of total stress too small to measure. Fluid pressure may differ from ICP in the parenchyma and collapsed subarachnoid spaces when the parenchyma presses against the meninges. Fluid pressure gradients determine fluid movements. In adults, restricting CSF outflow from subarachnoid spaces produces intracranial hypertension which, when CSF volumes change very little, is called idiopathic intracranial hypertension (iIH). Raised ICP in iIH is accompanied by increased venous sinus pressure, though which is cause and which effect is unclear. In infants with growing skulls, restriction in outflow leads to increased head and CSF volumes. In adults, ventriculomegaly can arise due to cerebral atrophy or, in hydrocephalus, to obstructions to intracranial CSF flow. In non-communicating hydrocephalus, flow through or out of the ventricles is somehow obstructed, whereas in communicating hydrocephalus, the obstruction is somewhere between the cisterna magna and cranial sites of outflow. When normal outflow routes are obstructed, continued CSF production in the ventricles may be partially balanced by outflow through the parenchyma via an oedematous periventricular layer and perivascular spaces. In adults, secondary hydrocephalus with raised ICP results from obvious obstructions to flow. By contrast, with the more subtly obstructed flow seen in normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), fluid pressure must be reduced elsewhere, e.g. in some subarachnoid spaces. In idiopathic NPH, where ventriculomegaly is accompanied by gait disturbance, dementia and/or urinary incontinence, the functional deficits can sometimes be reversed by shunting or third ventriculostomy. Parenchymal shrinkage is irreversible in late stage hydrocephalus with cellular framework loss but may not occur in early stages, whether by exclusion of fluid or otherwise. Further studies that are needed to explain the development of hydrocephalus are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen B Hladky
- Department of Pharmacology, Tennis Court Rd, Cambridge, CB2 1PD, UK.
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Behroozi M, Chwiesko C, Ströckens F, Sauvage M, Helluy X, Peterburs J, Güntürkün O. In vivo measurement of T 1 and T 2 relaxation times in awake pigeon and rat brains at 7T. Magn Reson Med 2017; 79:1090-1100. [PMID: 28474481 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.26722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Revised: 03/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Establishment of regional longitudinal (T1 ) and transverse (T2 ) relaxation times in awake pigeons and rats at 7T field strength. Regional differences in relaxation times between species and between two different pigeon breeds (homing pigeons and Figurita pigeons) were investigated. METHODS T1 and T2 relaxation times were determined for nine functionally equivalent brain regions in awake pigeons and rats using a multiple spin-echo saturation recovery method with variable repetition time and a multi-slice/multi-echo sequence, respectively. Optimized head fixation and habituation protocols were applied to accustom animals to the scanning conditions and to minimize movement. RESULTS The habituation protocol successfully limited movement of the awake animals to a negligible minimum, allowing reliable measurement of T1 and T2 values within all regions of interest. Significant differences in relaxation times were found between rats and pigeons but not between different pigeon breeds. CONCLUSION The obtained T1 and T2 values for awake pigeons and rats and the optimized habituation protocol will augment future MRI studies with awake animals. The differences in relaxation times observed between species underline the importance of the acquisition of T1 /T2 values as reference points for specific experiments. Magn Reson Med 79:1090-1100, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Behroozi
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Biopsychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Caroline Chwiesko
- Mercator Research Group, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Functional Architecture of Memory Department, Magdeburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Felix Ströckens
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Biopsychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Magdalena Sauvage
- Mercator Research Group, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Functional Architecture of Memory Department, Magdeburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Xavier Helluy
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Biopsychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jutta Peterburs
- Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Onur Güntürkün
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Biopsychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), Wallenberg Research Centre at Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Shevtsov MA, Senkevich KA, Kim AV, Gerasimova KA, Trofimova TN, Kataeva GV, Medvedev SV, Smirnova OI, Savintseva ZI, Martynova MG, Bystrova OA, Pitkin E, Yukina GY, Khachatryan WA. Changes of fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in the model of experimental acute hydrocephalus in rabbits. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2015; 157:689-98; discussion 698. [PMID: 25591802 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-014-2339-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To study the integrity of white matter, we investigated the correlation between the changes in neuroradiological and morphological parameters in an animal model of acute obstructive hydrocephalus. METHODS Hydrocephalus was induced in New Zealand rabbits (n = 10) by stereotactic injection of kaolin into the lateral ventricles. Control animals received saline in place of kaolin (n = 10). The progression of hydrocephalus was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging. Regional fractional anisotropy (FA) and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were measured in several white matter regions before and after the infusion of kaolin. Morphology of myelinated nerve fibers as well as of the blood-brain barrier were studied with the help of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and light microscopy. RESULTS Compared with control animals, kaolin injection into the ventricles resulted in a dramatic increase in ventricular volume with compression of basal cisterns, brain shift and periventricular edema (as observed on magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]). The values of ADC in the periventricular and periaqueductal areas significantly increased in the experimental group (P < 0.05). FA decreased by a factor of 2 in the zones of periventricular, periaqueductal white matter and corpus collosum. Histological analysis demonstrated the impairment of the white matter and necrobiotic changes in the cortex. Microsctructural alterations of the myelin fibers were further proved with the help of TEM. Blood-brain barrier ultrastructure assessment showed the loss of its integrity. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrated the correlation of the neuroradiological parameters with morphological changes. The abnormality of the FA and ADC parameters in the obstructive hydrocephalus represents a significant implication for the diagnostics and management of hydrocephalus in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim A Shevtsov
- A.L. Polenov Russian Scientific Research Institute of Neurosurgery, 191014, Mayakovsky str. 12, St. Petersburg, Russia,
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Bateman GA, Siddique SH. Cerebrospinal fluid absorption block at the vertex in chronic hydrocephalus: obstructed arachnoid granulations or elevated venous pressure? Fluids Barriers CNS 2014; 11:11. [PMID: 24955236 PMCID: PMC4045963 DOI: 10.1186/2045-8118-11-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The lack of absorption of CSF at the vertex in chronic hydrocephalus has been ascribed to an elevation in the arachnoid granulation outflow resistance (Rout). The CSF infusion studies measuring Rout are dependent on venous sinus pressure but little is known about the changes in pressure which occur throughout life or with the development of hydrocephalus. Methods Twenty patients with chronic hydrocephalus underwent MR venography and MR flow quantification techniques. The venous outflow pressure was estimated from the sinus blood flow and the cross-sectional area of the transverse sinuses. Adult controls as well as a normal young cohort were selected to estimate the change in sinus pressure which occurs throughout life and following the development of hydrocephalus. Significance was tested with a Student’s t-test. Results The size of the transverse sinuses was unchanged from the 1st to the 5th decade of life, indicating a stable outflow resistance. However, the blood flow was reduced by 42%, indicating a likely similar reduction in pressure gradient across the sinuses. The sinuses of hydrocephalus patients were 38% smaller than matched controls, indicating a 2.5 times increase in resistance. Despite the 24% reduction in blood flow, a significant increase in sinus pressure is suggested. Conclusions The size of the venous sinuses normally does not change over the age range investigated but sinus pressure is reduced proportional to an age-related blood flow reduction. Hydrocephalus is associated with much smaller sinuses than normal and an elevation in venous pressure may explain the lack of CSF absorption into the arachnoid granulations in chronic hydrocephalus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant A Bateman
- Department of Medical Imaging, John Hunter Hospital, Locked Bag 1, Newcastle Region Mail Center, Newcastle 2310, Australia ; Newcastle University Faculty of Health, Callaghan Campus, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Sabbir H Siddique
- Department of Medical Imaging, John Hunter Hospital, Locked Bag 1, Newcastle Region Mail Center, Newcastle 2310, Australia ; Newcastle University Faculty of Health, Callaghan Campus, Newcastle, Australia
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Rocha Catalão CH, Leme Correa DA, Bernardino Garcia CA, dos Santos AC, Garrido Salmon CE, Alves Rocha MJ, da Silva Lopes L. Pre- and Postshunting Magnetization Transfer Ratios Are in Accordance with Neurological and Behavioral Changes in Hydrocephalic Immature Rats. Dev Neurosci 2014; 36:520-31. [DOI: 10.1159/000366056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Mignone Philpott C, Shannon P, Chitayat D, Ryan G, Raybaud CA, Blaser SI. Diffusion-weighted imaging of the cerebellum in the fetus with Chiari II malformation. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2013; 34:1656-60. [PMID: 23721901 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a3468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Diffusion-weighted imaging can be used to characterize brain maturation. MR imaging of the fetus is used in cases of suspected Chiari II malformation when further evaluation of the posterior fossa is required. We sought to investigate whether there were any quantitative ADC abnormalities of the cerebellum in fetuses with this malformation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Measurements from ROIs acquired in each cerebellar hemisphere and the pons were obtained from calculated ADC maps performed on our Avanto 1.5T imaging system. Values in groups of patients with Chiari II malformations were compared with those from fetuses with structurally normal brains, allowing for the dependent variable of GA by using linear regression analysis. RESULTS There were 8 fetuses with Chiari II malformations and 23 healthy fetuses, ranging from 20 to 31 GW. There was a significant linear decline in the cerebellar ADC values with advancing gestation in our healthy fetus group, as expected. The ADC values of the cerebellum of fetuses with Chiari II malformation were higher [1820 (±100) × 10⁻⁶ mm²/s] than ADC values in the healthy fetuses (1370 ± 70) × 10⁻⁶ mm²/s. This was statistically significant, even when allowing for the dependent variable of GA (P = .0126). There was no significant difference between the pons ADC values in these groups (P = .645). CONCLUSIONS While abnormal white matter organization or early cerebellar degeneration could potentially contribute to our findings, the most plausible explanation pertains to abnormalities of CSF drainage in the posterior fossa, with increased extracellular water possibly accounting for this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mignone Philpott
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Vinukonda G, Zia MT, Bhimavarapu BBR, Hu F, Feinberg M, Bokhari A, Ungvari Z, Fried VA, Ballabh P. Intraventricular hemorrhage induces deposition of proteoglycans in premature rabbits, but their in vivo degradation with chondroitinase does not restore myelination, ventricle size and neurological recovery. Exp Neurol 2013; 247:630-44. [PMID: 23474192 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2013.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) results in white matter injury and hydrocephalus in premature infants. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs)-neuorcan, brevican, versican, aggrecan and phosphacan-are unregulated in the extracellular matrix after brain injury, and their degradation enhances plasticity of the brain. Therefore, we hypothesized that CSPG levels were elevated in the forebrain of premature infants with IVH and that in vivo degradation of CSPGs would enhance maturation of oligodendrocyte, augment myelination, promote neurological recovery, and minimize hydrocephalus. We found that levels of neurocan, brevican, aggrecan, phosphacan, and versican were elevated, whereas NG2 expression was reduced in premature rabbit pups and human infants with IVH compared to controls. Intracerebroventricular chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) reduced the expression of neuorcan, brevican, versican and aggrecan, but not NG2. However, ChABC treatment did not enhance maturation of oligodendrocytes, myelination, or neurological recovery in the pups with IVH. Moreover, ChABC did not reduce gliosis or ventriculomegaly. Our results demonstrate that IVH induces distinct changes in the components of CSPGs, and that reversing these changes by in vivo ChABC treatment neither promotes clinical recovery, myelination, nor reduces ventriculomegaly in preterm rabbit pups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govindaiah Vinukonda
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College-Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
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Shulyakov AV, Buist RJ, Del Bigio MR. Intracranial Biomechanics of Acute Experimental Hydrocephalus in Live Rats. Neurosurgery 2012; 71:1032-40. [DOI: 10.1227/neu.0b013e3182690a0c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Del Bigio MR, Slobodian I, Schellenberg AE, Buist RJ, Kemp-Buors TL. Magnetic resonance imaging indicators of blood-brain barrier and brain water changes in young rats with kaolin-induced hydrocephalus. Fluids Barriers CNS 2011; 8:22. [PMID: 21834998 PMCID: PMC3162928 DOI: 10.1186/2045-8118-8-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2011] [Accepted: 08/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydrocephalus is associated with enlargement of cerebral ventricles. We hypothesized that magnetic resonance (MR) imaging parameters known to be influenced by tissue water content would change in parallel with ventricle size in young rats and that changes in blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability would be detected. METHODS Hydrocephalus was induced by injection of kaolin into the cisterna magna of 4-week-old rats, which were studied 1 or 3 weeks later. MR was used to measure longitudinal and transverse relaxation times (T1 and T2) and apparent diffusion coefficients in several regions. Brain tissue water content was measured by the wet-dry weight method, and tissue density was measured in Percoll gradient columns. BBB permeability was measured by quantitative imaging of changes on T1-weighted images following injection of gadolinium diethylenetriamine penta-acetate (Gd-DTPA) tracer and microscopically by detection of fluorescent dextran conjugates. RESULTS In nonhydrocephalic rats, water content decreased progressively from age 3 to 7 weeks. T1 and T2 and apparent diffusion coefficients did not exhibit parallel changes and there was no evidence of BBB permeability to tracers. The cerebral ventricles enlarged progressively in the weeks following kaolin injection. In hydrocephalic rats, the dorsal cortex was more dense and the white matter less so, indicating that the increased water content was largely confined to white matter. Hydrocephalus was associated with transient elevation of T1 in gray and white matter and persistent elevation of T2 in white matter. Changes in the apparent diffusion coefficients were significant only in white matter. Ventricle size correlated significantly with dorsal water content, T1, T2, and apparent diffusion coefficients. MR imaging showed evidence of Gd-DTPA leakage in periventricular tissue foci but not diffusely. These correlated with microscopic leak of larger dextran tracers. CONCLUSIONS MR characteristics cannot be used as direct surrogates for water content in the immature rat model of hydrocephalus, probably because they are also influenced by other changes in tissue composition that occur during brain maturation. There is no evidence for widespread persistent opening of BBB as a consequence of hydrocephalus in young rats. However, increase in focal BBB permeability suggests that periventricular blood vessels may be disrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc R Del Bigio
- Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba; 401 Brodie Centre, 727 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg MB R3E 3P5 Canada.
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Filippidis AS, Kalani MYS, Nakaji P, Rekate HL. Negative-pressure and low-pressure hydrocephalus: the role of cerebrospinal fluid leaks resulting from surgical approaches to the cranial base. J Neurosurg 2011; 115:1031-7. [PMID: 21800965 DOI: 10.3171/2011.6.jns101504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT Negative-pressure and low-pressure hydrocephalus are rare clinical entities that are frequently misdiagnosed. They are characterized by recurrent episodes of shunt failure because the intracranial pressure is lower than the opening pressure of the valve. In this report the authors discuss iatrogenic CSF leaks as a cause of low- or negative-pressure hydrocephalus after approaches to the cranial base. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed cases of low-pressure or negative-pressure hydrocephalus presenting after cranial approaches complicated with a CSF leak at their institution. RESULTS Three patients were identified. Symptoms of high intracranial pressure and ventriculomegaly were present, although the measured pressures were low or negative. A blocked communication between the ventricles and the subarachnoid space was documented in 2 of the cases and presumed in the third. Shunt revisions failed repeatedly. In all cases, temporary clinical and radiographic improvement resulted from external ventricular drainage at subatmospheric pressures. The CSF leaks were sealed and CSF communication was reestablished operatively. In 1 case, neck wrapping was used with temporary success. CONCLUSIONS Negative-pressure or low-pressure hydrocephalus associated with CSF leaks, especially after cranial base approaches, is difficult to treat. The solution often requires the utilization of subatmospheric external ventricular drains to establish a lower ventricular drainage pressure than the drainage pressure created in the subarachnoid space, where the pressure is artificially lowered by the CSF leak. Treatment involves correction of the CSF leak, neck wrapping to increase brain turgor and allow the pressure in the ventricles to rise to the level of the opening pressure of the valve, and reestablishing the CSF route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristotelis S Filippidis
- Division of Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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Pohmann R, Shajan G, Balla DZ. Contrast at high field: Relaxation times, magnetization transfer and phase in the rat brain at 16.4 T. Magn Reson Med 2011; 66:1572-81. [DOI: 10.1002/mrm.22949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2010] [Revised: 02/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Skjolding AD, Rowland IJ, Søgaard LV, Praetorius J, Penkowa M, Juhler M. Hydrocephalus induces dynamic spatiotemporal regulation of aquaporin-4 expression in the rat brain. Cerebrospinal Fluid Res 2010; 7:20. [PMID: 21054845 PMCID: PMC2987763 DOI: 10.1186/1743-8454-7-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2010] [Accepted: 11/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The water channel protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is reported to be of possible major importance for accessory cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation pathways. We hypothesized that changes in AQP4 expression in specific brain regions correspond to the severity and duration of hydrocephalus. METHODS Hydrocephalus was induced in adult rats (~8 weeks) by intracisternal kaolin injection and evaluated after two days, one week and two weeks. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) we quantified lateral ventricular volume, water diffusion and blood-brain barrier properties in hydrocephalic and control animals. The brains were analysed for AQP4 density by western blotting and localisation by immunohistochemistry. Double fluorescence labelling was used to study cell specific origin of AQP4. RESULTS Lateral ventricular volume was significantly increased over control at all time points after induction and the periventricular apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value significantly increased after one and two weeks of hydrocephalus. Relative AQP4 density was significantly decreased in both cortex and periventricular region after two days and normalized after one week. After two weeks, periventricular AQP4 expression was significantly increased. Relative periventricular AQP4 density was significantly correlated to lateral ventricular volume. AQP4 immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated the morphological expression pattern of AQP4 in hydrocephalus in astrocytes and ventricular ependyma. AQP4 co-localized with astrocytic glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in glia limitans. In vascular structures, AQP4 co-localized to astroglia but not to microglia or endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS AQP4 levels are significantly altered in a time and region dependent manner in kaolin-induced hydrocephalus. The presented data suggest that AQP4 could play an important neurodefensive role, and may be a promising future pharmaceutical target in hydrocephalus and CSF disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders D Skjolding
- University Clinic of Neurosurgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ian J Rowland
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Dept. of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
| | - Lise V Søgaard
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Jeppe Praetorius
- The Water and Salt Research Center, Department of Anatomy, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Milena Penkowa
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marianne Juhler
- University Clinic of Neurosurgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Leliefeld PH, Gooskens RHJM, Braun KPJ, Ramos LMP, Uiterwaal CSPM, Regli LPE, Tulleken CAF, Kappelle LJ, Hanlo PW. Longitudinal diffusion-weighted imaging in infants with hydrocephalus: decrease in tissue water diffusion after cerebrospinal fluid diversion. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2009; 4:56-63. [PMID: 19569912 DOI: 10.3171/2009.3.peds08337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT Progressive hydrocephalus may lead to edema of the periventricular white matter and to damage of the brain parenchyma because of compression, stretching, and ischemia. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether cerebral edema can be quantified using diffusion-weighted imaging in infants with hydrocephalus and whether CSF diversion could decrease cerebral edema. METHODS Diffusion-weighted MR imaging was performed in 24 infants with progressive hydrocephalus before and after CSF diversion. Parametric images of the trace apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were obtained. The ADCs of 5 different cortical and subcortical regions of interest were calculated pre- and postoperatively in each patient. The ADC values were compared with age-related normal values. Mean arterial blood pressure and anterior fontanel pressure were measured immediately after each MR imaging study. RESULTS After CSF diversion, the mean ADC decreased from a preoperative value of 1209 +/- 116 x 10(-6) mm(2)/second to a postoperative value of 928 +/- 64 x 10(-6) mm(2)/second (p < 0.005). Differences between pre- and postoperative ADC values were most prominent in the periventricular white matter, supporting the existence of preoperative periventricular edema. Compared with age-related normal values, the preoperative ADC values were higher and the postoperative ADC values were lower, although within normal range. The decrease in ADC after CSF drainage was more rapid than the more gradual physiological decrease that is related to age. The preoperative ICP was elevated in all patients. After CSF diversion the ICP decreased significantly to within the normal range. A linear correlation between ADC values and ICP was found (correlation coefficient 0.496, p < 0.001). In all patients the mean arterial blood pressure was within physiological limits both pre- and postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS This study shows a rapid and more extensive decrease in ADC values after CSF diversion than is to be expected from physiological ADC decrease solely due to increasing patient age. The preoperative ADC increase can be explained by interstitial edema caused by transependymal CSF leakage or by vasogenic edema caused by capillary compression and stretching of the brain parenchyma. This study population of infants with (early recognized) hydrocephalus did not suffer from cytotoxic edema. These findings may help to detect patients at risk for cerebral damage by differentiating between progressive and compensated hydrocephalus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul H Leliefeld
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Kondziella D, Eyjolfsson EM, Saether O, Sonnewald U, Risa O. Gray matter metabolism in acute and chronic hydrocephalus. Neuroscience 2009; 159:570-7. [PMID: 19171182 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2008] [Revised: 01/05/2009] [Accepted: 01/07/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Although hydrocephalus is usually considered a disorder of periventricular white matter, disturbance of gray matter is probably also involved. However, so far gray matter metabolism has not been studied in experimental hydrocephalus using high resolution in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Therefore 15 rats were made hydrocephalic by injection of 0.1 ml kaolin into the cisterna magna, whereas 10 sham-operated rats served as controls. (1)H MRS and magnetic resonance imaging were performed longitudinally in acute hydrocephalus 2 and 4 weeks after kaolin treatment and in chronic hydrocephalus after 6 weeks. Volumes of interest included the gray matter regions cortex, thalamus and hippocampus. In hydrocephalic animals, (1)H MRS revealed decreased glutamate levels in all examined areas at all time points. Moreover, in acute hydrocephalus disturbances were noted in the hippocampus with decreased concentrations of N-acetyl aspartate, creatine, inositol and taurine, and in the cortex with decreased taurine levels. A clear lactate peak was detected in CSF spectra from hydrocephalic rats. In addition, T2-weighted images showed increase of free water in the hippocampus. It can be concluded that glutamate metabolism is deranged in gray matter in acute and chronic hydrocephalus in rats. If confirmed in humans, early detection of glutamatergic disturbances and lactate accumulation using in vivo(1)H MRS might serve as an indication for surgical treatment of hydrocephalus before irreversible neuronal damage develops.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Kondziella
- Department of Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
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Hasan KM, Eluvathingal TJ, Kramer LA, Ewing-Cobbs L, Dennis M, Fletcher JM. White matter microstructural abnormalities in children with spina bifida myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus: a diffusion tensor tractography study of the association pathways. J Magn Reson Imaging 2008; 27:700-9. [PMID: 18302204 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.21297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To quantify microstructural abnormalities in the major association pathways of children affected by spina bifida myelomeningocele (SBM) and shunted hydrocephalus using whole-brain diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). MATERIALS AND METHODS The institutional review board approved this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant study and written informed consent/assent were obtained prior to the study. The 69 participants included 38 children with SBM and shunted hydrocephalus (age mean +/- SD = 12.30 +/- 2.10 years; 22 boys; 10 left-handed) and 31 age- and sex-matched normally-developing children (11.56 +/- 2.72 years; 15 boys, four left-handed). Diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) was performed to delineate and quantify bilaterally four major association pathways (arcuate, inferior longitudinal, inferior fronto-occipital, and uncinate fasciculi). RESULTS The group with SBM did not exhibit the pattern of age-related decreases in the diffusivities observed in the controls. The transverse and axial diffusivities were significantly elevated in most of the white matter pathways of the participants with SBM. The fractional anisotropy (FA) was significantly lower in most of the association pathways. Many of the association pathways were not traceable in some participants with SBM compared to the controls at the selected FA thresholds. CONCLUSION DTT revealed diffusion tensor characteristics of abnormal development (nonvisualization/poor visualization of tracts, downward arrow FA, upward arrow diffusivities), impairment in myelination (upward arrow transverse diffusivity) as well as abnormalities in intrinsic axonal characteristics and extraaxonal/extracellular space (upward arrow axial diffusivity) in the association pathways of the SBM children. The differences in the diffusion metrics observed in the children with SBM are suggestive of abnormal white matter development and persistent degeneration with increased age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khader M Hasan
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Del Bigio MR, Enno TL. Effect of hydrocephalus on rat brain extracellular compartment. Cerebrospinal Fluid Res 2008; 5:12. [PMID: 18616813 PMCID: PMC2488327 DOI: 10.1186/1743-8454-5-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2008] [Accepted: 07/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cerebral cortex may be compressed in hydrocephalus and some experiments suggest that movement of extracellular substances through the cortex is impaired. We hypothesized that the extracellular compartment is reduced in size and that the composition of the extracellular compartment changes in rat brains with kaolin-induced hydrocephalus. Methods We studied neonatal (newborn) onset hydrocephalus for 1 or 3 weeks, juvenile (3 weeks) onset hydrocephalus for 3–4 weeks or 9 months, and young adult (10 weeks) onset hydrocephalus for 2 weeks, after kaolin injection. Freeze substitution electron microscopy was used to measure the size of the extracellular compartment. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry with quantitative image densitometry was used to study the extracellular matrix constituents, phosphacan, neurocan, NG2, decorin, biglycan, and laminin. Results The extracellular space in cortical layer 1 was reduced significantly from 16.5 to 9.6% in adult rats with 2 weeks duration hydrocephalus. Western blot and immunohistochemistry showed that neurocan increased only in the periventricular white matter following neonatal induction and 3 weeks duration hydrocephalus. The same rats showed mild decorin increases in white matter and around cortical neurons. Juvenile and adult onset hydrocephalus was associated with no significant changes. Conclusion We conclude that compositional changes in the extracellular compartment are negligible in cerebral cortex of hydrocephalic rats at various ages. Therefore, the functional change related to extracellular fluid flow should be reversible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc R Del Bigio
- Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba, and Manitoba Institute of Child Health, Winnipeg MB, R3E 3P5, Canada.
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Apparent diffusion coefficient and cerebrospinal fluid flow measurements in patients with hydrocephalus. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2008; 32:392-6. [PMID: 18520543 DOI: 10.1097/rct.0b013e31812f4edc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging and compare with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow imaging in patients with hydrocephalus before and after treatment. METHODS Twenty patients with hydrocephalus (group 1, pediatric, with primary aqueductal stenosis, n = 10; group 2, adult, with normal-pressure hydrocephalus, n = 10) and 20 age-matched healthy subjects that served as controls were examined. Cerebrospinal fluid flow velocity interval was calculated as the mean absolute values of the peak craniocaudal velocity and caudocranial velocity on CSF flow measurements. On diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values from 8 regions were evaluated. RESULTS The decrease in ADC values after treatment was significant in both groups (P < 0.001 for both). Preoperative mean CSF flow velocity interval value was significantly lower in group 1 and significantly higher than postoperative and control group values in group 2 (P < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSION The ADC values increase in hydrocephalus and decrease significantly after treatment. Preoperative ADC value may serve as baseline, and the change in ADC may be an indicator of response to treatment and CSF flow measurements.
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Kondziella D, Sonnewald U, Tullberg M, Wikkelso C. Brain metabolism in adult chronic hydrocephalus. J Neurochem 2008; 106:1515-24. [PMID: 18419769 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2008.05422.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is the most frequent form of chronic hydrocephalus in adults. NPH remains underdiagnosed although between 5% and 10% of all demented patients may suffer from this disorder. As dementia is an increasing demographic problem, treatable forms such as in NPH have become a central issue in neurology. Despite the traditional perception of hydrocephalus being a disorder of disturbed CSF dynamics, in NPH metabolic impairment seems at least as important. So far, the only valid animal model of NPH is chronic adult kaolin hydrocephalus. In this model, opening of alternative CSF outflow pathways leads to normal or near-normal intracranial pressure and CSF outflow resistance. Yet, various metabolic disturbances cause ongoing ventricular enlargement and characteristic symptoms including cognitive decline and gait ataxia. Delayed hippocampal neuronal death, accumulation of beta-amyloid and disturbed cholinergic neurotransmission may contribute to memory dysfunction. Compromised periventricular blood flow, decreased dopamine levels in the substantia nigra and damaged striatal GABAergic interneurons may reflect basal ganglia symptoms. At least in human hydrocephalus cerebrovascular co-morbidity of the white matter plays an important role as well. It seems that in hydrocephalus from a certain 'point of no return' metabolic impairment becomes decoupled from CSF dynamics and, at least partly, self-sustained. This is probably the reason why despite restored CSF circulation by shunting many patients with chronic hydrocephalus still suffer from severe neurological deficits. The present paper offers a comprehensive review of the experimental and clinical data suggesting metabolic disturbances in chronic hydrocephalus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kondziella
- Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
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Brandt CT, Simonsen H, Liptrot M, Søgaard LV, Lundgren JD, Ostergaard C, Frimodt-Møller N, Rowland IJ. In vivo study of experimental pneumococcal meningitis using magnetic resonance imaging. BMC Med Imaging 2008; 8:1. [PMID: 18194516 PMCID: PMC2253532 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2342-8-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2007] [Accepted: 01/14/2008] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) methods were evaluated as a tool for the study of experimental meningitis. The identification and characterisation of pathophysiological parameters that vary during the course of the disease could be used as markers for future studies of new treatment strategies. METHODS Rats infected intracisternally with S. pneumoniae (n = 29) or saline (n = 13) were randomized for imaging at 6, 12, 24, 30, 36, 42 or 48 hours after infection. T1W, T2W, quantitative diffusion, and post contrast T1W images were acquired at 4.7 T. Dynamic MRI (dMRI) was used to evaluate blood-brain-barrier (BBB) permeability and to obtain a measure of cerebral and muscle perfusion. Clinical- and motor scores, bacterial counts in CSF and blood, and WBC counts in CSF were measured. RESULTS MR images and dMRI revealed the development of a highly significant increase in BBB permeability (P < 0.002) and ventricle size (P < 0.0001) among infected rats. Clinical disease severity was closely related to ventricle expansion (P = 0.024). Changes in brain water distribution, assessed by ADC, and categorization of brain 'perfusion' by cortex DeltaSI(bolus) were subject to increased inter-rat variation as the disease progressed, but without overall differences compared to uninfected rats (P > 0.05). Areas of well-'perfused' muscle decreased with the progression of infection indicative of septicaemia (P = 0.05). CONCLUSION The evolution of bacterial meningitis was successfully followed in-vivo with MRI. Increasing BBB-breakdown and ventricle size was observed in rats with meningitis whereas changes in brain water distribution were heterogeneous. MRI will be a valuable technique for future studies aiming at evaluating or optimizing adjunctive treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian T Brandt
- National Center for Antimicrobials and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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van de Ven RCG, Hogers B, van den Maagdenberg AMJM, de Groot HJM, Ferrari MD, Frants RR, Poelmann RE, van der Weerd L, Kiihne SR. T1 relaxation in in vivo mouse brain at ultra-high field. Magn Reson Med 2007; 58:390-5. [PMID: 17654587 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.21313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Accurate knowledge of relaxation times is imperative for adjustment of MRI parameters to obtain optimal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast. As small animal MRI studies are extended to increasingly higher magnetic fields, these parameters must be assessed anew. The goal of this study was to obtain accurate spin-lattice (T(1)) relaxation times for the normal mouse brain at field strengths of 9.4 and 17.6 T. T(1) relaxation times were determined for cortex, corpus callosum, caudate putamen, hippocampus, periaqueductal gray, lateral ventricle, and cerebellum and varied from 1651 +/- 28 to 2449 +/- 150 ms at 9.4 T and 1824 +/- 101 to 2772 +/- 235 ms at 17.6 T. A field strength-dependent increase of T(1) relaxation times is shown. The SNR increase at 17.6 T is in good agreement with the expected SNR increase for a sample-dominated noise regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob C G van de Ven
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Hydrocephalus is characterized by impaired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow with enlargement of the ventricular cavities of the brain and progressive damage to surrounding tissue. Bulk water movement is altered in these brains. We hypothesized that increased expression of aquaporins, which are water-permeable channel proteins, would occur in these brains to facilitate water shifts. We used quantitative (real-time) RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry to evaluate the brain expression of aquaporins (AQP) 1, 4, and 9 mRNA and protein in Sprague-Dawley rats rendered hydrocephalic by injection of kaolin into cistern magna. AQP4 mRNA was significantly up-regulated in parietal cerebrum and hippocampus 4 weeks and 9 months after induction of hydrocephalus (P < 0.05). Although Western blot analysis showed no significant change, there was more intense perivascular AQP4 immunoreactivity in cerebrum of hydrocephalic brains at 3-4 weeks after induction. We did not detect mRNA or protein changes in AQP1 (located in choroid plexus) or AQP9 (located in select neuron populations). Kir4.1, a potassium channel protein linked to water flux, exhibited enhanced immunoreactivity in the cerebral cortex of hydrocephalic rats; the perineuronal distribution was entirely different from that of AQP4. These results suggest that brain AQP4 up-regulation might be a compensatory response to maintain water homeostasis in hydrocephalus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Mao
- Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba, 715 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg MB, R3E 3P5 Canada
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22
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Abstract
The literature concerning brain damage due to hydrocephalus, especially in children and animal models, is reviewed. The following conclusions are reached: 1. Hydrocephalus has a deleterious effect on brain that is dependent on magnitude and duration of ventriculomegaly and modified by the age of onset. 2. Animal models have many histopathological similarities to humans and can be used to understand the pathogenesis of brain damage. 3. Periventricular axons and myelin are the primary targets of injury. The pathogenesis has similarities to traumatic and ischemic white matter injury. Secondary changes in neurons reflect compensation to the stress or ultimately the disconnection. 4. Altered efflux of extracellular fluid could result in accumulation of waste products that might interfere with neuron function. Further research is needed in this as well as the blood-brain barrier in hydrocephalus. 5. Some, but not all, of the changes are preventable by shunting CSF. However, axon loss cannot be reversed, therefore shunting in a given case must be considered carefully. 6. Experimental work has so far failed to show any benefit in reducing CSF production. Pharmacologic protection of the brain, at least as a temporary measure, holds some promise but more pre-clinical research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc R Del Bigio
- Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba, and Manitoba Institute for Child Health, Winnipeg, Canada.
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van Furth WR, Laughlin S, Taylor MD, Salhia B, Mainprize T, Henkelman M, Cusimano MD, Ackerley C, Rutka JT. Imaging of murine brain tumors using a 1.5 Tesla clinical MRI system. Can J Neurol Sci 2004; 30:326-32. [PMID: 14672264 DOI: 10.1017/s0317167100003036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using a 1.5 Tesla (T) clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system for in vivo assessment of three histopathologically different brain tumor models in mice. METHODS We selected mouse models in which tumor growth was observed in different intracranial compartments: Patched+/- heterozygous knock-out mice for tumor growth in the cerebellum (n = 5); U87 MG human astrocytoma cells xenografted to the frontal lobe of athymic mice (n = 15); and F5 (n = 15) or IOMM Lee (n = 15) human malignant meningioma cells xenotransplanted to the athymic mouse skull base or convexity. Mice were imaged using a small receiver surface coil and a clinical 1.5 T MRI system. T1- and fast spin echo T2-weighted image sequences were obtained in all animals. Gadolinium was injected via tail vein to better delineate the intracranial tumors. Twenty mice were followed by serial MRI to study tumor growth over time. In these mice, images were typically performed after tumor implantation, and at two week intervals. Mice were euthanized following their last imaging procedure, and their tumors were examined by histopathology. The histopathological preparations were then compared to the last MR images to correlate the imaging features with the pathology. RESULTS Magnetic resonance imaging delineated th tumors in the cerebellum, frontal lobes and skull base in all mouse models. The detection of intracranial tumors was enhanced with prio administration of gadolinium, and the limit of resolution of brain tumors in the mice was 1-2 mm3. Sequential images performed at different time intervals showed progressive tumor growth in all animals. The MR images of tumor size and location correlated accurately with th results of the histopathological analysis. CONCLUSION Magnetic resonance imaging of murine brain tumors in different intracrania compartments is feasible with a 1.5 T clinical MR system and a specially designed surface coil. Tumors as small as 1-2 mm3 can be detecte with good image resolution. Mice harbouring nascent brain tumors can be followed sequentially by serial MR imaging. This may allow for a noninvasive means by which tumor growth can be measured, and novel therapies tested without resorting to sacrifice of the mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter R van Furth
- Arthur & Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neonatal hydrocephalus is one of the most common congenital anomalies affecting the nervous system. DISCUSSION Currently, ultrasonography allows for early detection of fetal ventriculomegaly and presents the family with several treatment options: termination of pregnancy, early delivery and neonatal shunting, and delivery at term followed by shunting. Despite ventricular decompression after birth, the cognitive outcome is variable as prolonged in utero hydrocephalus has a detrimental effect. In the early 1980s, fetal intervention was explored with the intention of improving outcome. However, patient selection was poor. Fetal ventriculomegaly from other conditions was not adequately distinguished from fetal hydrocephalus. In addition, fetal surgical techniques were not advanced. Consequently, the results were poor and a de facto moratorium on fetal shunting was imposed. However, recent improvements in fetal imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging, and advances in fetal surgical techniques offer the possibility that properly selected fetuses with hydrocephalus can benefit from an in utero intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia S von Koch
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, Room M-779, 505 Parnassus Avenue, Box 0112, San Francisco, CA 94143-0112, USA.
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Abstract
Hydrocephalus causes damage to periventricular white matter at least in part through chronic ischemia. Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) has been shown to be protective in various models of neurologic injury. We hypothesized that this agent would ameliorate the effects of experimental childhood-onset hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus was induced in 3- and 4-wk-old rats by injection of kaolin into the cisterna magna. Tests of cognitive and motor function were performed on a weekly basis. In a blinded and randomized manner, MgSO4 was administered in two separate experiments (s.c. injection 0.85, 4.1, or 8.2 mM/kg/d), supplemented by osmotic minipump infusion (0.03 mM/d) to prevent low trough levels for 2 wk, beginning 2 wk after induction of hydrocephalus. The brains were then subjected to histopathological and biochemical analyses. With the 4.1 mM/kg/d dose, serum Mg++ levels were elevated transiently from 1.3 to approximately 7 mM/L. We observed statistically significant improvement in gait performance and reduced astroglial reaction. There was also a trend to improved memory performance, but no evidence of increased myelin or synaptic protein content. The 8.2 mM/kg/d dose was associated with sedation and there was no evidence of improvement in any parameter. We conclude that MgSO4 might be mildly protective in experimental hydrocephalus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osaama H Khan
- Manitoba Institute for Child Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Lopes LDS, Machado HR, Lachat JJ. Study of corpus callosum in experimental hydrocephalic wistar rats. Acta Cir Bras 2003. [DOI: 10.1590/s0102-86502003001200005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE: Hydrocephalus causes countless cerebral damages, especially on the structures around the ventricles. Hydrocephalic children present deficiencies in the nonverbal skills more than in the verbal skills, and not always revertible with an early treatment. As the corpus callosum has an important role in the nonverbal acquisition it is possible that the injuries in this structure are responsible for the cognitive dysfunctions of these children. This present study tries to establish the alterations caused by hydrocephalus on the corpus callosum of developing Wistar rats, induced by intracisternal injection of kaolin. METHODS : Seven, fourteen and twenty one days after the injection, the animals were killed, and the corpus callosum was dissected and prepared for the study of the axonal fibers. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The seven-day old rats in hydrocephalus development presented a delay in myelination in relation to the control rats. With the fourteen-day old rats in hydrocephalus development the corpus callosum showed a recovery of myelin, but with the twenty one-day old rats in hydrocephalus development the axonal fibers were damaged and reduced in number.
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Hüppi PS. Advances in postnatal neuroimaging: relevance to pathogenesis and treatment of brain injury. Clin Perinatol 2002; 29:827-56. [PMID: 12516748 DOI: 10.1016/s0095-5108(02)00049-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The human brain is susceptible to a wide variety of insults. The permanent residua of these abnormalities are represented in dysfunction of one or more areas of neurodevelopment. A full understanding of normal brain development, mechanisms of brain injury, and consequences for subsequent brain development is required to determine which infants are at risk for neurodevelopmental handicap, and to monitor the effects of new treatments and management regimens designed to prevent these disabilities. Advanced magnetic resonance techniques, such as quantitative morphometric magnetic resonance techniques, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance techniques, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy applied to the study of early human brain development have given us a better understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of brain injury and its effects on subsequent brain development. Magnetic resonance imaging has provided an invaluable tool for the study of the fetal and newborn brain in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra S Hüppi
- Child Development Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Childrens Hospital, 6 rue Willy-Donze, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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Balasubramaniam J, Del Bigio MR. Analysis of age-dependant alteration in the brain gene expression profile following induction of hydrocephalus in rats. Exp Neurol 2002; 173:105-13. [PMID: 11771943 DOI: 10.1006/exnr.2001.7831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hydrocephalus is associated with gradual progressive impairment and destruction of cerebral axons and neurons. To provide a comprehensive analysis of gene expression changes in brain due to experimental hydrocephalus we used a DNA microarray screening technique. Hydrocephalus was induced in 3-week-old and 8- to 10-week-old rats by injection of kaolin into cisterna magna. Following induction of hydrocephalus, samples of frontoparietal cerebrum were studied 3 and 36 weeks later in young rats and 1.5 weeks later in adult rats. At the transcriptional level, young rats with subacute hydrocephalus showed overexpression of genes involved in synaptic transmission in parallel to genes associated with protective and compensatory mechanisms. Those with chronic hydrocephalus exhibited some similar changes among synapse-related genes but suppression of other neuronal genes. Expression of myelin-related genes was increased in both groups of rats with early onset hydrocephalus but suppressed in adult rats with acute hydrocephalus. Changes in genes related to extracellular matrix molecules suggest that there might be remodeling in this compartment. Adult rats showed elevated expression of inflammatory genes, likely related to kaolin-induced inflammation, but they failed to show changes in genes involved in compensatory or protective mechanisms. These results indicate that there is an age- and duration-dependent difference in the gene expression profiles of kaolin-induced hydrocephalus and they present avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janani Balasubramaniam
- Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba, Manitoba Institute for Child Health, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W3 Canada
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Del Bigio MR, Massicotte EM. Protective effect of nimodipine on behavior and white matter of rats with hydrocephalus. J Neurosurg 2001; 94:788-94. [PMID: 11354411 DOI: 10.3171/jns.2001.94.5.0788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT Hydrocephalus, a pathological dilation of the ventricles of the brain, causes damage to periventricular white matter, at least in part, through chronic ischemia. The authors tested the hypothesis that treatment with nimodipine, an L-type calcium channel-blocking agent with demonstrated efficacy in a range of cerebral ischemic disorders, would ameliorate the adverse effects of experimental hydrocephalus. METHODS Hydrocephalus was induced in 3-week-old rats by injection of kaolin into the cisterna magna. The rats were treated by continuous administration of nimodipine or control vehicle for 2 weeks, beginning 2 weeks after induction of hydrocephalus. During the treatment period, the animals underwent repeated tests of motor and cognitive behavior. At the end of the treatment period, the rat brains were analyzed by histopathological and biochemical means. Nimodipine treatment prevented the declines in motor and cognitive behavior that were observed in untreated control rats. During the treatment period, ventricular enlargement, determined by magnetic resonance imaging, was equal in the two groups, although the corpus callosum was thicker in the treated rats. Myelin content in white matter and synaptophysin content in gray matter, an indicator of synapses, did not differ. CONCLUSIONS The protective effect of nimodipine is most likely based on improved blood flow, although prevention of calcium influx-mediated proteolytic processes in axons cannot be excluded. Adjunctive pharmacological therapy may be beneficial to patients with hydrocephalus.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Del Bigio
- Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
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Del Bigio MR. Calcium-mediated proteolytic damage in white matter of hydrocephalic rats? J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2000; 59:946-54. [PMID: 11089572 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/59.11.946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrocephalus is a pathological dilatation of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-containing ventricles of the brain. Damage to periventricular white matter is multifactorial with contributions by chronic ischemia and gradual physical distortion. Acute ischemic and traumatic brain injuries are associated with calcium-dependent activation of proteolytic enzymes. We hypothesized that hydrocephalus is associated with calcium ion accumulation and proteolytic enzyme activation in cerebral white matter. Hydrocephalus was induced in immature and adult rats by injection of kaolin into the cisterna magna and several different experimental approaches were used. Using the glyoxal bis (2-hydroxyanil) method, free calcium ion was detected in periventricular white matter at sites of histological injury. Western blot determinations showed accumulation of calpain I (mu-calpain) and immunoreactivity for calpain I was increased in periventricular axons of young hydrocephalic rats. Proteolytic cleavage of a fluorogenic calpain substrate was demonstrated in white matter. Immunoreactivity for spectrin breakdown products was detected in scattered callosal axons of young hydrocephalic rats. The findings support the hypothesis that periventricular white matter damage associated with experimental hydrocephalus is due, at least in part, to calcium-activated proteolytic processes. This may have implications for supplemental drug treatments of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Del Bigio
- Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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