Istvan Pirko1, Aaron J. Johnson2, Anne K. Lohrey2, Jun Ying3, Diana Lindquist4, R. Scott Dunn4
1Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA; 2Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, USA; 3Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Cincinnati, USA; 4Imaging Research Center, Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
TMEV infection of SJL/J mice is an established MS model. In this model, significant brain atrophy precedes and predicts the development of motor disability. We now report the development of progressive spinal cord atrophy in the later stages. C5 spinal cord cross-section surface analysis of 7T MRI images revealed very significant cord atrophy starting at 6 and progressing to 12 months, showing strong correlation with disability as detected by rotarod assay. This represents the only known model of MS-related brain and cord atrophy, and will serve as a fertile ground for further research regarding this important aspect of MS.
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