Understanding the Pathogenesis of Neuroinflammation using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

A non-invasive view of the brain with the aid of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is invaluable for studying pathological processes during autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Several MRI technologies are available that can be employed to study inflammation within the brain. These include labeling of inflammatory cells with paramagnetic contrast agents (such as USPIO/SPIO/VSOP iron-oxide or perfluoro carbon (PFC)-rich nanoparticles) and new tools that facilitate high resolution imaging particularly MR microscopy (μMRI, microscopic MRI; MR histology). In this review we will go into both MRI technologies, with a special focus on their applicability in studying brain inflammation in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).