Multimodal 9.4T MRI and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy shows reduced perfusion and abnormal oxidative metabolism in the EAE mouse model of MS

While multiple sclerosis (MS) is typically considered a white matter disease, there is prominent evidence that gray matter pathology, such as hypoxia, disruptions in metabolic rate and mitochondrial dysfunction are involved as well. We are applying a novel multimodal technique combining near-infrared spectroscopy and high-field MRI to study the mitochondrial status as well as oxygen delivery and consumption in the cortex of the EAE mouse model of MS. Reduced perfusion, and consequent hypoxia, with abnormal mitochondrial regulation and no change in consumption rate were found in EAE mice. Hypoxia and mitochondrial damage are likely to exacerbate the pathology in MS.