Motivation: RNA virus infections, including COVID-19 and influenza, often cause long-lasting symptoms such as sensory loss, depression, and anxiety, with no objective evaluation methods currently available. Goal(s): This study aims to detect brain dysfunction by monitoring metabolic changes using hyperpolarized 13C MRI. Approach: A polyI:C-induced pseud-infection/immunological fatigue model mice was used. On days 3, 14, and 28 post-administration, chemical shift imaging of parahydrogen-polarized 1-13C pyruvate metabolism, behavioral tests, and analyses of metabolic markers and neurotransmitters were conducted. Results: The pseud-infection model showed sustained glycolytic shifts, with significant correlations between LDH-A and TPH2 expressions, and between phosphorylated PDH and serotonin levels. Impact: Brain metabolic alterations measured by hyperpolarized 13C pyruvate MRI may reflect neurological dysfunction associated with serotonin abnormalities, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic tool for identifying brain impairments linked to RNA virus infections and related neuropsychiatric conditions.
Yamasaki et al. (Tue,) studied this question.