Abstract #1161

Neural Progenitor Cell Distribution and White Matter Reorganization After Traumatic Brain Injury Measured by MRI and Histology

Quan Jiang^1,2, Guang Liang Ding¹, Siamak Pourabdollah-Nejad¹, Chang Sheng Qu³, Asim Mahmood³, Lian Li¹, Zheng Gang Zhang^1,2, Jia Ni Hu⁴, Yi Ming Shen⁴, Zhi Feng Kou⁴, Hassan Bagher-Ebadian¹, James R. Ewing^1,2, Michael Chopp^1,2

¹Neurology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA; ²Physics, Oakland University, Rochester Hills, MI, USA; ³Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA; ⁴Radiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA

Neural progenitor cell (NPC) treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) promotes brain remodeling and functional recovery. White matter reorganization is important factor for functional recovery and may be influenced by NPC distribution. We investigated NPC distribution and white matter remodeling after treatment of TBI using MRI and immuno-histochemical staining. We found that MRI can detect migration and distribution of labeled cells and white matter reorganization and reconnectivity. NPCs co-localized with axonal reorganization. Although FA shows promise in differentiating reorganized white matter from other TBI damaged tissues and treatment effects, it can lead to error if crossing fibers predominate.