Newly Validated SPECT/CT Imaging of Neuroinflammation in Preclinical Models of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Oct 10 2013
Neuroinflammation plays a major role in diseases of the human central nervous system (CNS). Multiple sclerosis (MS) in particular is characterized by high levels of neuroinflammation, in addition to the loss of the myelin sheet that covers the neurons throughout the CNS and leads to debilitation of the central and peripheral nervous systems. In order to provide a more translational readout from preclinical disease models of MS, we have validated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging for non-invasive longitudinal quantification of neuroinflammation in in vivo preclinical MS rat models.
The neuroinflammation that occurs due to MS was studied in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) rat model using SPECT/CT and the neuroinflammation marker CLINDE. Rats were imaged with SPECT/CT at 14 and 28 days post-inoculation with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antigen that induces EAE. Clear signs of neuroinflammation induced by EAE were detected in the cerebellum, brainstem and spinal cord. These are the same areas affected in human MS.
The addition of neuroinflammatory imaging to the MS modeling platform provides a novel translational imaging endpoint to the model, enabling an earlier assessment of the inflammatory reaction and allowing longitudinal follow-up of treatment efficacy in the remitting-relapsing cycle of EAE. It also supports the typical endpoint evaluation of inflammatory response as detected by the more established immunohistochemical methods. Combining the model with relevant behavioral testing, biomarkers and imaging makes our EAE model the most complete preclinical EAE model available.
At Charles River, validated imaging endpoints are included with preclinical in vivo models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease (PD), stroke and trauma. Due to the fact that imaging is non-invasive, longitudinal imaging studies can be performed (similar to clinical studies) in order to assess disease state or compound effect at multiple time-points in the same animals. The longitudinal imaging approach provides cost savings and helps reduce the number of animals required. Endpoint tissue samples can be used for other biochemical assays.
For more information on EAE and imaging, or any other neurology or psychiatry model offered by Charles River, please contact us at 1.877.CRIVER.1 or askcharlesriver@crl.com.
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