Abstract TMP97: Demyelination, Cognition and Imaging in a Translational Model of Rat Vascular Cognitive Impairment

Small vessel disease and/or atherosclerosis produce microvascular and parenchymal inflammation in white matter and results in vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). We have performed bilateral carotid artery stenosis in hypertensive rats (SHR) to better understand disease pathology, targets for intervention and markers. Hypothesis: Complex cognitive deficits and diffuse fiber tract changes relevant to human VCI can be quantified and validated for future use. Methodology: We performed a series of behavioral assays to test declarative memory and executive functioning in stenosis compared to sham surgery SHR. Behavioral assays included T-maze decision making and alternation, novel object recognition (NOR) and active place avoidance (APA). MRI (DTI, DWI, Arterial Spin Labeling; ASL) and FDG-PET imaging was done in Corpus Callosum (CC). Histology-immunohistochemistry included measurements of microglia (Iba-1), astrocytes (GFAP) and Luxol fast blue (for myelin) in CC. Results: Stenosis resulted in consistent exec...