Reparative Effects of Poloxamer P188 in Astrocytes Exposed to Controlled Microcavitation

Blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) is a neurological dysfunction that can result from a sudden exposure to shockwave and lead to adverse health consequences. Currently, there are no preventive measures that specifically target bTBI. Several hypotheses have been formulated to explain such injuries, including the generation of microcavitation (e.g., microbubbles) in the brain that subsequently collapses with high pressure. This study was designed to explore and elucidate potential therapeutic effects of surfactants (poloxamers P188) to partially repair the damaged brain tissue due to bTBI. A controlled electrical discharge system was designed and validated to generate microbubbles of 20-30 μm in size. Using this system, we tested the hypothesis that the P188 can partially rescue astrocytes exposed to collapsing microbubbles. The immediate impact of the collapse of microbubbles created a crater-like region in which astrocytes detached from the substrate. Of those cells that survived the initial mechanical assault, the poloxamer P188 demonstrated reparative potential by partially restoring calcium spiking and minimizing the production of reactive oxygen species. The FDA-approved P188 may offer a potential therapeutic treatment for those exposed to a blast and suffered bTBI.