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Convection-enhanced delivery into the rat brainstem.
David I Sandberg1, Mark A Edgar, Mark M Souweidane
1Department of Neurosurgery, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
Journal of Neurosurgery
|May 15, 2002
Summary
Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) is safe for the rat brainstem, achieving predictable distribution. This technique offers a potential new method for treating diffuse pontine gliomas.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Drug Delivery
- Oncology
Background:
- Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) enables high local drug concentrations in the brain and spinal cord.
- CED has not been previously applied to the brainstem.
- Diffuse pontine gliomas are a challenging brain tumor type.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and distribution parameters of CED in the rat brainstem.
- To establish CED as a potential treatment for diffuse pontine gliomas.
Main Methods:
- Stereotactic cannula placement in the rat brainstem.
- Infusion of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran at varying volumes.
- Confocal microscopy and computer image analysis to determine volume of distribution (Vd).
- Histological analysis to assess tissue integrity.
Main Results:
- CED was safely administered to the rat brainstem without neurological deficits or tissue damage.
- The volume of distribution (Vd) increased linearly with infusion volume (Vi), ranging from 15.4-55.8 mm3.
- The Vd/Vi ratio ranged from 14 to 30.9, indicating predictable distribution.
Conclusions:
- Convection-enhanced delivery is a safe and effective method for achieving substantial and predictable distribution in the rat brainstem.
- This study provides foundational data for future investigations into CED for treating diffuse pontine gliomas.