Using neurophotonic tools to access the effects of repeated blood-brain-barrier opening with focused ultrasound
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Citation
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical protective structure that tightly controls which molecules can pass from the bloodstream into the brain parenchyma. Focused ultrasound (FUS) is an emerging technology that allows the possibility of a non-invasive and controlled opening of the BBB for the delivery of therapeutics that would not otherwise reach the brain. However, the secondary effects of repeated BBB disruption are not fully understood. In this study, we used mesoscopic and microscopic imaging to track neuronal and vascular activity following repeated FUS-BBB opening in mice. We used genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECI) to measure neuronal activity and used reflectance light to estimate changes in oxy-, deoxyand total hemoglobin levels. The hemodynamic response function was calculated to evaluate the alteration of neurovascular coupling. This study provided a better understanding of the relationship between repeated FUS-BBB opening and the alteration of neurovascular coupling in an animal model.