Diffusion tensor imaging reveals brain structure changes in dogs after spinal cord injury

Neural Regeneration Research, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.344839 · Published: January 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Medical Imaging

Simple Explanation

This study investigates brain changes after spinal cord injury (SCI) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in dogs. DTI is an advanced imaging technique that can detect subtle changes in brain structure by measuring the diffusion of water molecules in tissues. The researchers hypothesized that SCI would lead to changes in DTI parameters in specific brain regions. Researchers created a spinal cord contusion model in Beagle dogs and monitored changes in DTI parameters in the cerebral peduncle (CP), posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC), precentral gyrus (PRG), and postcentral gyrus (POG) over 12 weeks. They also examined these brain regions using immunohistochemistry to detect changes in axons, glial cells, and neurons. The study found that DTI parameters in the selected brain regions changed dynamically after SCI. These changes correlated with pathological changes observed through immunohistochemistry. The findings suggest that DTI can be a valuable tool for visualizing brain structure changes following SCI, providing insights into brain remodeling and potential treatment strategies.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

15 healthy female Beagle dogs

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Dynamic changes in DTI parameters (FA and ADC) were observed in the cerebral peduncle (CP), posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC), precentral gyrus (PRG), and postcentral gyrus (POG) within 12 weeks after spinal cord injury.
2
The fractional anisotropy (FA) value of the cerebral peduncle (CP) showed a strong correlation with the Texas Spinal Cord Injury Score (TSCIS), indicating a relationship between brain structure and functional recovery.
3
Immunohistochemistry revealed axonal degeneration in the CP and PLIC, increased glial cell proliferation in the CP, PLIC, POG and PRG, and changes in neuronal markers in the POG and PRG after SCI, which were consistent with DTI parameter changes.

Research Summary

This study used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to examine brain structure changes in dogs after spinal cord injury (SCI). The researchers created a dog model of SCI and observed changes in DTI parameters in specific brain regions over 12 weeks. The study found dynamic changes in DTI parameters in the cerebral peduncle, posterior limb of the internal capsule, pre- and postcentral gyri of the brain after SCI. Immunohistochemistry confirmed pathological changes consistent with DTI findings. The results suggest that DTI can effectively display brain structure changes after SCI, providing insights into brain remodeling and potential treatment strategies. The study also highlights the importance of considering both the brain and spinal cord in SCI treatment.

Practical Implications

Diagnostic Tool

DTI can be used as a non-invasive tool to monitor brain changes after SCI.

Therapeutic Target

Understanding brain remodeling after SCI can lead to novel therapeutic strategies targeting both the spinal cord and the brain.

Prognostic Indicator

DTI parameters may serve as potential biomarkers to predict functional recovery after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Respiratory and heart rates during anesthesia might affect the acquisition of MRI signals.
2
Pathological tests were not performed at each time point, but only at the end of the study.
3
Only a few pathological factors affecting DTI were considered.

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