Image-Guided Focused-Ultrasound CNS Molecular Delivery: An Implementation via Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic-Resonance Imaging

Wen Yen Chai, Po Chun Chu, Chih Hung Tsai, Chung Yin Lin, Hung Wei Yang, Hsin Yi Lai, Hao Li Liu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Focused ultrasound (FUS) exposure with microbubbles can transiently open the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to deliver therapeutic molecules into CNS tissues. However, delivered molecular distribution/concentration at the target need to be controlled. Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic-Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI) is a well-established protocol for monitoring the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic behavior of FUS-BBB opening. This study investigates the feasibility of using DCE-MRI to estimate molecular CNS penetration under various exposure conditions and molecule sizes. In the 1st stage, a relationship among the imaging index Ktrans, exposure level and molecular size was calibrated and established. In the 2nd stage, various exposure levels and distinct molecules were applied to evaluate the estimated molecular concentration discrepancy with the quantified ones. High correlation (r2 = 0.9684) between Ktrans and transcranial mechanical index (MI) implies Ktrans can serve as an in vivo imaging index to mirror FUS-BBB opening scale. When testing various molecules with the size ranging 1-149 kDa, an overall correlation of r2 = 0.9915 between quantified and predicted concentrations was reached, suggesting the established model can provide reasonably accurate estimation. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of estimating molecular penetration through FUS-BBB opening via DCE-MRI and may facilitate development of FUS-induced BBB opening in brain drug delivery.

Original languageEnglish
Article number4151
JournalScientific reports
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018 Dec 1

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General

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