Inhomogeneous magnetization transfer MRI of white matter structures in the hypomyelinated shiverer mouse brain

Purpose Inhomogeneous magnetization transfer (ihMT) MRI is uniquely sensitive to myelin with lipids as a primary source of its contrast. In this study, we investigated whether ihMT can detect white matter structures in the hypomyelinated shiverer mouse brain, a model of dysmyelination. Methods Conventional MT and ihMT images were acquired from ex vivo Rag2(-/-) control and shiverer mouse brains at 7T using previously reported optimized saturation parameters. Results ihMT ratio (ihMTR) maps revealed hypomyelinated corpus callosum in the shiverer mouse brain, whereas conventional MT ratio (MTR) maps showed no clear contrast. The ihMTR values of the corpus callosum in the shiverer mice were reduced by approximately 40% compared to controls, but remained significantly higher than the ihMTR values of the cortex. Conclusion The finding further confirms ihMT's high myelin specificity and suggests its use as a marker to detect early myelination or myelin repair.

Automated summary

In this study, we investigated the ability of ihMT MRI to detect white matter structures in the hypomyelinated shiverer mouse brain. Our results showed that ihMT can provide clear visualization of the hypomyelinated corpus callosum, with higher myelin contrast compared to conventional MT. These findings suggest the potential use of ihMT as a marker for early myelination or myelin repair.