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Published on: June 12, 2021
Effects of microbubbles and ultrasound on the microcirculation: observation on the hamster cheek pouch
Ana Cristina Camarozano1, Fátima Zely Garcia de Almeida Cyrino, Daniel Alexandre Bottino
1Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Research on Vascular Biology, Biomedical Center, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Background:
In view of the debate on the safety of using ultrasound associated with microbubbles, we investigated the microvascular effects in situations of potential clinical interest.
Methods:
Ultrasound, microbubbles, and their association were evaluated on the cheek pouch microcirculation in 96 male hamsters (n = 6 in each group): control; ischemia-reperfusion, 30 minutes total ischemia followed by reperfusion; hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia (substitution of the drinking water by 10% fructose solution for 3 months); and endotoxic shock (induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide). The heart rate, mean arterial pressure, number of rolling and adhered leukocytes, and arteriolar and venular diameters were analyzed.
Results:
Heart rate and mean arterial pressure were lower in the endotoxic shock group than in the control group. Ultrasound alone or associated with microbubbles decreased the number of rolling and adhered leukocytes in the ischemia-reperfusion and hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia groups and increased venular diameter in the ischemia-reperfusion group.
Conclusion:
The use of ultrasound decreases inflammation. Although it has not been established that pseudo-anaphylaxis can be assessed by intravital microscopy, microbubble administration does not increase venular leukocyte adhesion.
Insights
Ultrasound with microbubbles can decrease inflammation by reducing leukocyte adhesion in conditions like ischemia-reperfusion and metabolic disorders. Microbubble use did not worsen venular leukocyte adhesion in this study.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Microcirculation Research
- Medical Ultrasound
Background:
- The safety of ultrasound combined with microbubbles is debated.
- Microvascular effects require investigation for clinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microvascular effects of ultrasound and microbubbles.
- To assess these effects in clinically relevant conditions.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated ultrasound and microbubbles in hamster cheek pouch microcirculation.
- Studied effects in control, ischemia-reperfusion, hyperinsulinemia/hyperglycemia, and endotoxic shock models.
- Analyzed heart rate, mean arterial pressure, leukocyte activity, and vessel diameters.
Main Results:
- Ultrasound alone or with microbubbles reduced leukocyte rolling and adhesion in ischemia-reperfusion and metabolic disorder models.
- Ultrasound with microbubbles increased venular diameter during ischemia-reperfusion.
- Endotoxic shock significantly lowered heart rate and mean arterial pressure.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound application demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties by decreasing leukocyte adhesion.
- Microbubble administration, in this context, does not elevate venular leukocyte adhesion.
