Meeting Banner
Abstract #3689

Longitudinal Imaging of the Influence of ApoE Isoforms on Brain Structure and Function

Xuan Vinh To1, 2, Chun-Yu Yip1, Ho Ngoc Na1, Boon Seng Wong2, Kai-Hsiang Chuang1, 2

1Magnetic Resonance Imaging Group, Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore; 2Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

To understand the genetic influence of apolipoprotein (Apo) isoforms on the brain in the ageing process, we conducted longitudinal MRI on transgenic mice with human Apo E3 (hApoE3) or hApoE4 genes at 6 and 9 months old. Structural MRI data were analyzed using voxel-based morphometry and identified several regions with increased gray matter volume in E4 mice at both time points. CBF were imaged using pseudo-continuous ASL (pCASL) with spin-echo EPI acquisition. Higher CBF was found in E3 mice at 6 mo but the difference reduced at 9 mo. The different trends in brain volume and CBF indicate genetic influence of Apo and suggest a compensatory mechanism.