Illuminating epilepsy: A deep NIR-I fluorogenic sensor reports peroxynitrite dynamics in vivo

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical Biology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Peroxynitrite (ONOO^-) is implicated in epilepsy pathogenesis.
• Real-time monitoring of ONOO^- dynamics is crucial for understanding epilepsy and developing therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel deep NIR-I fluorogenic probe (BDP-NIR-S-Fa) for sensitive and specific detection of ONOO^-.
• To assess the probe's utility in visualizing ONOO^- in epilepsy models and evaluating therapeutic responses.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of the BDP-NIR-S-Fa probe.
• In vitro and in vivo imaging of ONOO^- in kainic acid-induced epilepsy models.
• Evaluation of antiepileptic drug efficacy by monitoring ONOO^- reduction.
• Testing the probe in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peritonitis model.

Main Results:

• BDP-NIR-S-Fa exhibits specific emission at 805 nm and rapid, sensitive response to ONOO^-.
• The probe successfully visualized elevated ONOO^- in epileptic cells and a mouse model.
• BDP-NIR-S-Fa effectively monitored ONOO^- reduction following antiepileptic drug treatment.
• The probe demonstrated utility for in vivo ONOO^- imaging in an LPS-induced peritonitis model.

Conclusions:

• BDP-NIR-S-Fa is a robust sensor for real-time tracking of ONOO^- biology.
• The probe offers a direct method to illuminate ONOO^-'s role in seizure pathology.
• This sensor advances early diagnosis and therapy assessment for epilepsy.