Evaluation of a transgenic mouse model of multiple sclerosis with noninvasive methods

Abstract

PURPOSE. To evaluate the ND4 transgenic mouse model of multiple sclerosis using noninvasive methods. METHODS. Assessment of neurologic/behavioral abnormalities was made using pattern electroretinogram (PERG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), optic coherence tomography (OCT), and end point histologic analysis. RESULTS. Electrophysiologic (PERG) recordings demonstrated functional deficits in vision commensurate with neurologic/ behavioral abnormalities. In ND4 mice, the authors found PERG abnormalities preceded neurologic/gait abnormalities. MRI demonstrated subtle structural changes that progressed over time in correlation with behavioral abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS. The ND4 mouse model has been evaluated using well-defined parameters of noninvasive methods (PERG, MRI, and OCT), enabling objective identification of functional and structural deficits and their correlation with neurologic/gait abnormality. © 2011 The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Inc.