Article Text

Download PDFPDF
C14 Striatal Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Transgenic HD Minipigs
  1. F Frank1,
  2. N Nagelmann2,
  3. L Liebsch2,
  4. R Schubert1,
  5. M Wirsig1,
  6. S Schramke1,
  7. V Schuldenzucker1,
  8. M Marcegaglia1,3,
  9. S Ott1,
  10. E Hölzner1,3,
  11. C Faber2,
  12. R Reilmann1,3
  1. 1George-Huntington-Institute, Technology Park Muenster, Johann-Krane-Weg 27, 48149 Muenster, Germany
  2. 2Institute for Clinical Radiology, University of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Muenster, Germany
  3. 3Department of Neurology, University of Muenster, Albert Schweitzer Campus 1, 48149 Muenster, Germany

Abstract

Background Our study is the first phenotyping study on TgHD minipigs from the Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics in Libéchov (Czech Republic). MRI scans including anatomical, diffusion-weighted and spectroscopic sequences were performed to assess anatomical and metabolic changes in the brain. Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) is a validated method for determining changes in the relative molecule concentration in HD patients and in TgHD mice.

Aims For determining relative molecule concentrations in the striatum of the tgHD and wildtype minipigs we performed a baseline and a follow-up assessment. Feasibility and tolerability same as between group differences and longitudinal changes will be assessed.

Methods/techniques The minipigs were scanned on a 3T Philips Achieva system at baseline and at one year follow-up. Single-voxel based spectroscopy (PRESS) of the striatum on the right and left hemisphere was acquired using the following parameters: TR: 2000 ms, TE: 32 ms, measured voxel size: 8 × 22 × 8mm, averages: 176, scan duration: 6 min. The concentration of N-Acetylasparate, myo-inositol, glutamate and glutamine relative to creatine was calculated by LCModel.

Results/outcome In the data collected to date no significant differences were seen between the transgenic and the wildtype group at MRI 1 (baseline-6 month of age) and 2 (18 months of age). The spectra showed well-resolved lines of the major metabolites, which were observed at similar relative concentrations as expected for humans. The statistical analysis is pending and will be presented at the EHDN meeting.

Conclusions In this pilot study cross-sectional baseline and longitudinal data from tgHD minipigs and controls was successfully acquired. Thus longitudinal changes between transgenic and wildtype may be expected later on due to the slowly progressive nature of HD.

Acknowledgement Funded by the CHDI Foundation

KeyWords
  • Striatum
  • MR Spectroscopy
  • transgenic HD minipig model

Statistics from Altmetric.com

Request Permissions

If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.