Preclinical Research on Focused Ultrasound-Mediated Blood-Brain Barrier Opening for Neurological Disorders: A Review

Several therapeutic agents for neurological disorders are usually not delivered to the brain owing to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a special structure present in the central nervous system (CNS). Focused ultrasound (FUS) combined with microbubbles can reversibly and temporarily open the BBB, enabling the application of various therapeutic agents in patients with neurological disorders. In the past 20 years, many preclinical studies on drug delivery through FUS-mediated BBB opening have been conducted, and the use of this method in clinical applications has recently gained popularity. As the clinical application of FUS-mediated BBB opening expands, it is crucial to understand the molecular and cellular effects of FUS-induced microenvironmental changes in the brain so that the efficacy of treatment can be ensured, and new treatment strategies established. This review describes the latest research trends in FUS-mediated BBB opening, including the biological effects and applications in representative neurological disorders, and suggests future directions.

Automated summary

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents many therapeutic agents from reaching the brain. Focused ultrasound (FUS) combined with microbubbles can temporarily open the BBB, allowing the delivery of therapeutic agents for neurological disorders. Preclinical studies have been conducted in the past 20 years, and the clinical application of FUS-mediated BBB opening is gaining popularity. It is important to understand the molecular and cellular effects of FUS-induced microenvironmental changes in the brain to ensure treatment efficacy and establish new strategies.