Focused Ultrasound-Induced Neurogenesis Requires an Increase in Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability

Abstract

Finding methods to accurately treat brain disorders has been an issue across the medical field. The blood-brain barrier has hinder progress but new techniques have come along that make the BBB more permeable. One method is focused ultra-sound (FUS) administered with contrast microbubbles at peak pressure 1.56MPa. By being able to make the BBB more permeable over the hippocampal region of the brain, it can be shown that, under certain conditions, stimulation of neurogenesis can occur.  Currently, the exact means of FUS making the BBB more permeable are unknown but if the mechanism can be isolated then drug administration for the treatment of the brain can be altered for the better.