Imaging cerebrovascular structure and function in the transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Motivation: Our previous study in humans found changes in vascular structure in AD/MCI patients but its time course and relationship to AD pathology were unknown. Goal(s): The aim of this study was to assess alterations in the structure and function of blood vessels in transgenic mouse models of AD. Approach: Litters with all four genotypes (wild-type, Aβ only, tau only, and Aβ+tau) underwent perfusion MRI and vessel size imaging as part of a longitudinal study. Results: The vessel size correlates significantly with cerebral blood volume and blood flow in the hippocampus. No group difference was found at the baseline pre-symptom stage. Impact: Success in this study, in conjunction with ex-vivo microscopy, will enhance our ability to interpret in vivo vascular imaging in people and enable us to identify individuals for vasculature-targeted therapies and evaluate how interventions may ameliorate vascular health in AD.