Abstract
To enhance drug delivery to the extravascular tissue, a controlled, temporal and local increase in endothelial permeability is needed. Although recent studies have established that the permeability of single-cell membranes is increased by ultrasound in combination with contrast agents, it is not known whether this combination can also increase the permeability of an endothelial layer. To investigate endothelial layer permeability, we treated layers of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with ultrasound and the contrast agent BR14. Endothelial layer permeability was assessed by measuring the transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability for fluorescein. Ultrasound in combination with BR14 significantly decreased TEER to 68.0 plusmn 3.1 % of initial values and temporally increased endothelial permeability for fluorescein by 38.1 plusmn 16.4 %. After treatment, no cell loss or damage was observed. In conclusion, ultrasound-activated BR14 microbubbles transiently increased the endothelial layer permeability. This feature may be used for future ultrasound-guided drug delivery systems
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
