Facilitating drug delivery in the central nervous system by opening the blood‑cerebrospinal fluid barrier with a single low energy shockwave pulse

Fluids and Barriers of the CNS, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12987-021-00303-x · Published: January 4, 2022

Simple Explanation

The blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) protects the central nervous system but also blocks drug delivery. This study introduces a method using low-energy shockwaves to temporarily open the BCSFB, allowing drugs to reach the brain and spinal cord more effectively. The technique enhanced drug concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid and showed promise in treating glioblastoma in rats.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Adult Sprague Dawley rats between 9 and 10 weeks of age

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
A single low-energy shockwave pulse can noninvasively and selectively open the BCSFB.
2
Opening the BCSFB significantly elevates drug concentrations in the CSF around the brain and spinal cord.
3
Glioblastoma model rats treated with doxorubicin combined with FSW-induced BCSFB opening survived significantly longer.

Research Summary

This study introduces a novel method for non-invasive and selective opening of the BCSFB using a single low-energy focused shockwave pulse (FSW) with microbubbles to enhance drug delivery into CSF circulation. The FSW technique facilitated the delivery of CNS-impermeable indicators and medications into the CSF, brain, and spinal cord, improving the therapeutic efficiency of drugs. In vivo experiments using a glioblastoma-bearing rat model demonstrated that FSW treatment combined with doxorubicin significantly prolonged survival compared to untreated animals, suggesting its potential for treating various CNS disorders.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Drug Delivery

The technique could improve the treatment of CNS disorders by increasing drug concentrations in the CSF.

Non-Invasive Treatment

The non-invasive nature of the method could reduce the risks associated with traditional drug delivery methods.

Potential Applications

The approach may benefit future treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, CNS infections, brain tumors, and leptomeningeal carcinomatosis.

Facilitating drug delivery in the central nervous system by opening the blood‑cerebrospinal fluid barrier with a single low energy shockwave pulse

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Enhanced Drug Delivery

Non-Invasive Treatment

Potential Applications

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Facilitating drug delivery in the central nervous system by opening the blood‑cerebrospinal fluid barrier with a single low energy shockwave pulse

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Enhanced Drug Delivery

Non-Invasive Treatment

Potential Applications

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?