Multiple sclerosis (MS) features demyelination
of the brain and spinal cord, resulting in impaired and eventual loss of neuronal
function. Approximately 65% of MS patients experience cognitive impairment and
memory dysfunction. Postmortem analyses reveal hippocampal demyelination and
glutamate receptor loss in MS patients, suggesting impaired synaptic function
in this brain region critical for memory and learning. Using a mouse model of
reversible demyelination, we demonstrate that MRI can detect the loss and
restoration of myelin and neuronal function in the hippocampus. Our results
suggest that MRI is a powerful pre-clinical tool for testing neuroprotective
and reparative therapies targeting the hippocampus.
