Visualisation of the kinetics of macrophage infiltration during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by magnetic resonance imaging.
Macrophages are considered to be the predominant effector cells in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Ultra small particles of iron oxide (USPIO) can be used to detect macrophage infiltrates in the CNS with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Here, we investigated whether the kinetics of lesion formation in EAE can be visualised by altering the time point of USPIO injection and the time interval between particle injection and MRI. When USPIO are systemically injected 24 h before MRI, hypo intense regions are detected in different brain regions depending on the disease stage. These regions correspond to sites of macrophage infiltration. A more complete visualisation of sites of inflammation is accomplished by USPIO injection at disease onset and postponing MRI to top of disease. This study demonstrates that the distribution pattern and amount of inflammatory lesions detected with USPIO, depends on timing of USPIO administration and subsequent MRI. These findings are important for a correct application and interpretation of USPIO dependent contrast imaging of CNS inflammation.
Baeten
Kurt
K
Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute and School of Life Sciences, Transnational University Limburg, Belgium.
Hendriks
Jerome Ja
JJ
Hellings
Niels
N
Theunissen
Evi
E
Vanderlocht
Joris
J
Ryck
Leen De
LD
Gelan
Jan
J
Stinissen
Piet
P
Adriaensens
Peter
P
D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000378:metabolism; D015214:Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic / Q000378:metabolism; D054442:Cell Migration Assays, Macrophage; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein / Q000009:adverse effects; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D013997:Time Factors; D000097382:CD68 Molecule
D015703:Antigens, CD; D015214:Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic; D005290:Ferric Compounds; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein; C067980:CD68 antigen, human; D000097382:CD68 Molecule; C000499:ferric oxide