In vivo methods for imaging blood-brain barrier function and dysfunction.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Imaging
• Pathophysiology

Background:

• The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical interface regulating brain homeostasis.
• BBB dysfunction is implicated in acute and chronic neurological disorders like stroke and Alzheimer's disease.
• Studying the BBB in vivo is essential due to limitations of in vitro and ex vivo models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the structure and function of the BBB.
• To discuss how BBB structure and function are altered in disease states.
• To provide an in-depth overview of established and novel in vivo imaging techniques for the BBB.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on BBB structure, function, and disease relevance.
• Detailed discussion of in vivo imaging modalities.
• Focus on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), nuclear imaging, and intravital fluorescence microscopy.

Main Results:

• The BBB's role in maintaining brain homeostasis and its involvement in neurological diseases are established.
• In vivo imaging methods are crucial for studying the intact BBB.
• Established and novel imaging techniques offer diverse approaches to visualize and assess BBB integrity and function.

Conclusions:

• Understanding BBB structure, function, and disease-related alterations is vital.
• In vivo imaging provides indispensable tools for BBB research.
• Advanced imaging techniques like MRI, nuclear imaging, and intravital microscopy are key for future BBB studies.