Arterial Spin Labeling MRI to Investigate Mineralocorticoid ReceptorAntagonism Effect on Brain Perfusion in the EAE Model

Motivation: Prior research showed 40% of MS patients have cortical gray matter hypoxia, with similar findings in EAE mouse models linked to reduced cerebral blood flow. Goal(s): To determine if the vascular-protective drug eplerenone can restore cerebral blood flow in the EAE mouse model of MS. Approach: EAE was induced in mice receiving either 50mg/kg or 100mg/kg eplerenone. Cerebral blood flow was measured using continuous arterial spin labeling MRI at 9.4T. Results: High dose eplerenone (100mg/kg) prevented reduction in cortical cerebral blood flow and improved clinical scores, while the lower dose showed no effects. Impact: These findings suggest early treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists could prevent vascular dysfunction in MS patients, potentially avoiding cortical hypoxia. This introduces a new therapeutic approach targeting blood flow regulation rather than traditional immunomodulation strategies.