Myelin Changes in Alzheimer’s Mouse Model using MRI and X-ray scattering

Motivation: Myelin's involvement in Alzheimer's is unclear, partially due to lack of quantitative measurements. X-ray scattering can quantify myelin tomographically and validate myelin MRI. Goal(s): Probe myelin changes in AD mice using diffusion MRI and X-ray scattering. Approach: We used advanced diffusion and X-ray scattering to examine myelin changes in AD vs controls. After registration to Allen Atlas, we examined key white matter (corpus callosum/fornix/alveus) and gray matter areas (cortex/hippocampus/thalamus). Results: In white matter, we observed diffusion and X-ray changes consistent with decreased myelin in AD mice. In gray matter, X-ray sensitively captured myelin changes not captured by diffusion. Impact: We show the combined application of X-ray scattering and MRI to probe myelin changes in the white and gray matter of an AD mouse model. X-ray scattering can help validate MRI and quantify myelin changes in neurodegenerative diseases.