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Alterations in the Temporal Variation and Spatial Distribution of Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability Following
Kexian Wang1, Haoyu Wang1, Ji Dong1
1Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China.
Background:
Previous studies have suggested that electromagnetic pulse (EMP) can induce openings in the blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, the temporal variation and spatial distribution of BBB permeability after EMP radiation are difficult to assess using conventional histopathological approaches. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is a valuable tool for the in vivo evaluation of BBB permeability. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the temporal variation and spatial distribution of BBB permeability after EMP radiation in rats using DCE-MRI.
Methods:
The dose of EMP was estimated through simulations utilizing a digital rat model comprising 16 distinct brain regions. Then, the changes in BBB permeability of the different rat brain regions at different time points (3 h and 24 h) after EMP radiation were evaluated using quantitative DCE-MRI. Furthermore, the spatial difference in BBB permeability was assessed 3 h after exposure. Finally, the dose-effect relationship between the electric field strength and the BBB permeability was also investigated.
Results:
The results demonstrated that the changes in the values of volume transfer constant (ΔKtrans) significantly increased in several rat brain regions at 3 h after 400 kV/m EMP radiation. These changes vanished 24 h after exposure. Meanwhile, no significant spatial differences in BBB permeability were observed after EMP radiation. Moreover, Pearson's correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive linear relationship between BBB permeability and the electric field strength within an external electric field strength range of 0 to 400 kV/m at 3 h after EMP radiation.
Conclusions:
EMP radiation can induce a reversible increase in BBB permeability in rats. Moreover, no significant differences in BBB permeability were found across different brain regions. Additionally, the degree of BBB permeability was positively correlated with the regional electric field strength of EMP radiation within an external electric field strength range of 0 to 400 kV/m at 3 h after EMP radiation. These results indicate the promising potential of employing EMP for transient openings in the BBB, which could facilitate clinical pharmacological interventions via drug delivery into the brain.
Insights
Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) exposure temporarily increases blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in rats, with effects diminishing within 24 hours. BBB permeability correlates positively with EMP strength, suggesting potential for targeted drug delivery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biophysics
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) may disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
- Assessing temporal and spatial BBB changes post-EMP is challenging with traditional methods.
- Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) offers in vivo BBB evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate temporal and spatial BBB permeability changes after EMP radiation in rats.
- Utilize DCE-MRI for quantitative assessment of BBB function post-exposure.
Main Methods:
- Simulated EMP doses in a digital rat model (16 brain regions).
- Quantitative DCE-MRI to assess BBB permeability at 3h and 24h post-EMP.
- Analyzed spatial differences and dose-effect relationship between electric field strength and BBB permeability.
Main Results:
- Significant increase in BBB permeability (ΔKtrans) in multiple brain regions at 3h after 400 kV/m EMP.
- BBB permeability changes were reversible, normalizing by 24h post-exposure.
- No significant spatial variations in BBB permeability; positive linear correlation between permeability and electric field strength (0-400 kV/m) at 3h.
Conclusions:
- EMP induces a reversible increase in rat BBB permeability.
- No significant regional differences in BBB permeability were observed.
- BBB permeability is positively correlated with EMP electric field strength, indicating potential for controlled BBB opening for drug delivery.
