What type of study is this?

This is a Animal Study study (also classified as: Quantitative Study).

September 17, 2025

Alteration of Water Exchange Rates Following Focused ultrasound-Mediated BBB Opening in the Dorsal Striatum: A Diffusion-Prepared pCASL Study

DLDong LiuMIND Research Institute XSXingfeng ShaoUniversity of Southern California SSSoroosh SanatkhaniColumbia University

Key Points

FUS-induced BBB opening resulted in significantly reduced water exchange rates, offering a new detection method.
Using DP-pCASL, researchers noted changes in water permeability, implying efficiency in monitoring BBB dynamics.
This approach enhances clinical practices in drug delivery, marking a notable advancement in non-contrast imaging techniques.
The findings underline the potential of using water as a tracer, suggesting a shift towards safer imaging alternatives.

Abstract

Motivation: Focused ultrasound (FUS) enables temporary blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening, supporting targeted drug delivery and brain modulation. Safer, contrast-free imaging methods are needed to confirm BBB opening without gadolinium-based agents, which carry health risks. Goal(s): This study investigates water as an endogenous tracer to confirm FUS-induced BBB opening, minimizing the need for contrast agents. Approach: We assessed changes in water permeability using a diffusion-prepared arterial spin labeling (DP-pCASL) MRI technique in non-human primates, comparing perfusion and water exchange rates before and after FUS-induced BBB opening. Results: FUS-induced BBB opening significantly reduced water exchange rates, supporting DP-pCASL as a non-contrast method for detection. Impact: This study evaluated a non-contrast MRI method to assess focused ultrasound-induced BBB opening, providing a safer alternative to gadolinium-based agents for monitoring BBB permeability changes and supporting clinical advances in FUS-mediated drug delivery and neuromodulation.

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