Back to Search
Start Over
Multimodal analysis of aged wild-type mice exposed to repeated scanning ultrasound treatments demonstrates long-term safety.
- Source :
-
Theranostics [Theranostics] 2018 Nov 29; Vol. 8 (22), pp. 6233-6247. Date of Electronic Publication: 2018 Nov 29 (Print Publication: 2018). - Publication Year :
- 2018
-
Abstract
- The blood-brain barrier presents a major challenge for the delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain; however, it can be transiently opened by combining low intensity ultrasound with microbubble infusion. Studies evaluating this technology have largely been performed in rodents, including models of neurological conditions. However, despite promising outcomes in terms of drug delivery and the amelioration of neurological impairments, the potential for long-term adverse effects presents a major concern in the context of clinical applications. Methods: To fill this gap, we repeatedly treated 12-month-old wild-type mice with ultrasound, followed by a multimodal analysis for up to 18 months of age. Results: We found that spatial memory in these aged mice was not adversely affected as assessed in the active place avoidance test. Sholl analysis of Golgi impregnations in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus did not reveal any changes to the neuronal cytoarchitecture. Long-term potentiation, a cellular correlate of memory, was still achievable, magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed no major changes in metabolites, and diffusion tensor imaging revealed normal microstructure and tissue integrity in the hippocampus. More specifically, all measures of diffusion appeared to support a neuroprotective effect of ultrasound treatment on the brain. Conclusion: This multimodal analysis indicates that therapeutic ultrasound for blood-brain barrier opening is safe and potentially protective in the long-term, underscoring its validity as a potential treatment modality for diseases of the brain.<br />Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists.
- Subjects :
- Aging physiology
Animals
Brain diagnostic imaging
Brain physiology
Female
Hippocampus diagnostic imaging
Hippocampus physiology
Hippocampus radiation effects
Mice
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Multimodal Imaging adverse effects
Spatial Memory radiation effects
Time Factors
Ultrasonic Therapy adverse effects
Ultrasonography
Aging radiation effects
Brain radiation effects
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1838-7640
- Volume :
- 8
- Issue :
- 22
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Theranostics
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 30613294
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.7150/thno.27941