Abstract #4922

Epidermal Growth Factor's lowers Blood Brain Barrier leakiness in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model as detected using Diffusion Weighted Arterial Spin Labeling MR Imaging

Frederick C Damen¹, Riya Thomas², Rong-Wen Tain¹, Weiguo Li³, Leon Tai², and Kejia Cai¹

¹Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States, ²Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States, ³Research Resources Center, University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction is reemerging as a critical component of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Higher BBB leakiness is one of the mechanistic pathways through which AD risk factors induce cognitive decline. We have previously demonstrated that epidermal growth factor (EGF) prevents BBB leakiness in a model of two important AD risk factors: APOE4 and female sex (female E4FAD mice). The goal of this study was to use Diffusion Weighted Arterial Spin Labeling MRI to determine whether post-symptomatic EGF treatment, (during 8-10 months) can reduce BBB leakiness in EGF treated mice compared to vehicle controls.

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