Motivation: There is a lack of comprehensive MRI-based evaluation of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU)-induced blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening in rat models. Goal(s): We aim to develop a safe BBB opening protocol in rat models with jugular vein catheter, using cavitation monitoring and MRI assessment. Approach: We investigated the effects of sonication parameters on BBB opening and tissue damage and the relationship between ultrasound cavitation measures and contrast changes on post-treatment MRI (T1W, T2W, SWI, T2*) Results: Optimal BBB opening was achieved at 0.45 MPa with 10 ms burst length and continuous microbubble injection, confirmed by T1-weighted MRI showing hyperintensity and no brain damage. Impact: The optimized BBB opening and monitoring protocol developed in this study will enable preclinical studies of delivery of the therapeutic compounds across the BBB.
Xiao et al. (Tue,) studied this question.