Zero-echo time MB-SWIFT MRI responses to visual stimuli in a mouse model of demyelination and remyelination

Motivation: The changes in responses to sensory stimuli during demyelination and remyelination could help quantify neuro-functional deficits in neurodegenerative disorders. Goal(s): The goal of this study was to explore the capability of fMRI to detect changes in the functional response during both demyelination and remyelination. Approach: A genetic mouse model of widespread demyelination and remyelination was imaged with MB-SWIFT fMRI during visual stimulation. Results: We observed alterations in activation maps and fMRI responses to visual stimuli during demyelination. The function was restored during the remyelination phase. Impact: We show that zero echo time MB-SWIFT fMRI protocol with visual stimulation can detect myelination-associated differences in neuro-functional responses in mice and thus lends itself as a potential translational biomarker for disease and treatment monitoring in drug development.