Delayed axonal degeneration in slow Wallerian degeneration mutant mice detected using diffusion tensor imaging

▶Noninvasive DTI was used to evaluate the optic nerve degeneration in the slow Wallerian degeneration (WldS) mutant mice in vivo. ▶Derived from DTI, the axial diffusivity and radial diffusivity were used to quantify axonal and myelin damage. ▶Both measures delayed for 1-2 weeks in WldS as compared with the wild-type, suggesting the neuroprotective effects of WldS gene. ▶DTI findings were confirmed by immunostaining targeting neurofilament and myelin basic protein respectively.