Multi-Modality Imaging and Analysis of Mouse Cortex after Focused Ultrasound-Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Opening.

Motivation: The gold-standard for confirmation of blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption after FUS is T1-weighted MRI with contrast enhancement. Conventional MRI-based metrics cannot differentiate between BBB leakage at the microvascular level, and thus there is a need for validation with higher spatial and temporal resolution modalitiesGoal(s): Use 2-photon microscopy to investigate solute extravasation from the microvasculature into the parenchyma and paravascular space. Approach: This project is an in-vivo validation of BBB opening after FUS using 2-photon microscopy and MRI. Results: Results suggest BBB opening occurs in capillaries, and that dye extravasation can be measured within minutes of sonication. Impact: Sub-micron imaging of the microvasculature after BBB opening will provide insight into which vessels are opened after FUS and improve pharmacokinetic understanding of the paravascular space around arterioles and venules.