Suzuki K, et. al. - Researchers aimed to conduct a systematic analysis of the intrinsic contrast parameters of the fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyperintense rim (FHR), a thin layer of high intensity covering the entire surface of the cerebral cortex detected on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence T2 weighted imaging performed on a 7T system, in an attempt to distinguish its anatomical correlate. Moreover, intrinsic contrast parameters of FHR reflect structural and functional specifics of the glia limitans externa (GLE), and their values are highly dependent on the physiologic functionality of abundant aquaporin-4 (AQP-4). In addition, microscopic imaging on a 7T system and analysis of GLE contrast parameters can be established into a method for assessing AQP-4 functionality.