Fig. 3

Cortical microstructural changes can be detected long-term using diffusion MRI. High-resolution multi-shell ex vivo diffusion MRI was performed to determine if early brain injury persisted into adulthood. The diffusion tensor (DTI) model was applied to the b-4000 shell to derive the fractional anisotropy (FA; A, C), and mean diffusivity (MD; B, D). The NODDI model was applied using data from all shells and orientation dispersion index (ODI, E) and neurite density index (NDI, F) were quantified. A statistically significant decrease was determined in FA between control and IL–MO groups for the upper and lower cortex. Whereas, for MD a statistically significant increase was identified between the saline and IL-1 treatment groups in these regions. Data presented as mean ± SEM, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01. SAL: saline (n = 7); IL1: IL-1β (n = 9); IL + MO: IL-1β + montelukast (n = 8); MO: montelukast (n = 6)