Ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction increases capillary permeability in hepatomas

Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) has evolved as a promising tool for organ-specific gene and drug delivery. Taking advantage of high local concentrations of therapeutic substances and transiently increased capillary permeability, UTMD could be used for the treatment of ultrasound accessible tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate if UTMD can locally increase capillary permeability in a hepatoma model of the rat. Furthermore, we evaluated whether UTMD can transfect DNA into such tumors. Subcutaneous Morris hepatomas were induced in both hind limbs of ACI rats by cell injection. A total of 18 rats were divided into three groups. Only one tumor per rat was treated by ultrasound. The first group received injection of Evans blue, followed by UTMD. The second group received a phosphate-buffered saline solution infusion and ultrasound to the target tumor after Evans blue injection. The third group received UTMD first, followed by Evans blue injection. Tumors and control organs were harvested, and Evans blue extravasation was quantified. Another 12 rats received DNA-loaded microbubbles by UTMD to one tumor, encoding for luciferase. Evans blue injection followed by UTMD showed about fivefold higher Evans blue amount in the target tumors compared with the control tumors. In contrast, no significant difference in Evans blue content was detected between target and control tumors when ultrasound was applied without microbubbles or when UTMD was performed before Evans blue injection. Plasmid transfection was not successful. In conclusion, ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction is able to transiently increase capillary permeability in hepatomas. Using naked DNA, this technique does not seem to be feasible for noninvasive transfection of hepatomas.     

Augmentation of cardiac protein delivery using ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction

Gas-filled microbubbles have become an important tool as ultrasonic contrast agents. We have previously shown that ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) can direct plasmids to the heart. The aim of this study was to evaluate UTMD for protein delivery. Six different groups of rats received 1 microg of luciferase protein with varying protocols: (1) luciferase-loaded microbubbles and ultrasound; (2) luciferase only; (3) luciferase and ultrasound; (4) luciferase-loaded microbubbles; (5) unloaded microbubbles incubated with luciferase and ultrasound; (6) unloaded microbubbles with ultrasound followed by luciferase. Relative luminescence units per mg protein per s were determined in hearts and control organs. The rats that received ultrasound and luciferase-loaded bubbles showed a six-fold higher cardiac luciferase uptake compared with control groups that did not include bubbles. None of the other groups significantly augmented cardiac luciferase activity. We conclude that ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction can substantially and noninvasively augment organ-specific delivery of proteins.     

Investigation Into the Impact of Diagnostic Ultrasound with Microbubbles on the Capillary Permeability of Rat Hepatomas

Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) takes advantage of transiently increased capillary permeability to enhance the release of tumor-specific drugs from blood vessels into sonicated tumor tissues. However, the application of focused ultrasound is limited because of the lack of an appropriate image-monitoring system. In this study, hepatoma-bearing Sprague-Dawley rats were insonicated with low-frequency diagnostic ultrasound and injected with Evans Blue (EB) dye and microbubbles through their tail veins to test changes in capillary permeability. We studied how the mechanical index, sonication duration and the injected microbubble (MB) concentration affect the hepatoma vascular permeability by quantitatively evaluating the EB delivery efficiency. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to observe the deposition of red fluorescence–dyed EB in tumor tissues. In addition, P-selectin, a type of biochemical marker that reflects vascular endothelial cell activation, was identified using an immunoblotting analysis. The experimental results reveal that EB delivery efficiency in tumor tissues was greater in groups with the diagnostic ultrasound–mediated UTMD (8.40 ± 0.71 %ID/g) than in groups without UTMD (1.73 ± 0.19 %ID/g) and EB delivery efficiency could be affected by MI, sonication duration and MB dose. The immunoblotting analysis indicates that diagnostic ultrasound–induced UTMD results in the vascular endothelial cell activation to increase capillary permeability, justifying the high quantity of EB deposited in tumor tissues.     

超声微泡造影剂对心肌组织的生物学效应及介导VEGF基因转染大鼠心肌的实验研究

目的 探讨超声微泡造影剂对心肌组织的生物学效应及其介导VEGF基因转染大鼠心肌的有效性。方法 18只健康雄性Wistar大鼠，取3只采用超声波在鼠胸壁破坏微泡造影剂，观察对心肌组织显微结构的影响。将另15只急性心肌梗死3天后的雄性Wistar大鼠分为3组，每组5只。第一组采用超声破坏微泡造影剂的方式，将pcDzVEGFm基因转染大鼠心肌至造影剂不再显影(约6min)；第二组尾静脉输入同等剂量携pcD。VEGF。基因的造影剂；第三组为对照。2周后，取缺血心肌组织行VEGF免疫组织化学染色，观察心肌组织血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)蛋白表达情况。结果超声波破坏微泡造影剂能使心肌组织充血，产生大量空泡，并有部分心肌细胞坏死。采用超声微泡造影剂介导的VEGF基因转染，能明显增强大鼠心肌组织VEGF蛋白的表达。结论 超声微泡造影剂能明显增强对组织的空化效应，其介导的VEGF基因治疗是一种无创、新型、高效的基因转移方法。     

Augmentation of AAV-mediated cardiac gene transfer after systemic administration in adult rats

Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-6 or -9-pseudotyped vectors are suitable for efficient cardiac gene transfer after intravenous injection in mice. However, a systemic application in larger animals or humans would require very high doses of viral particles. Therefore, the aim of our study was to test if ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction could augment cardiac transduction of AAV vectors after intravenous administration in rats. To analyze efficiency and specificity of gene transfer, microbubbles loaded with AAV-6 or -9 harboring a luciferase or enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter gene were infused into the jugular vein of adult Sprague-Dawley rats. During the infusion, high mechanical index ultrasound was administered to the heart. Control rats received the same amount of virus without microbubbles, but with ultrasound. After 4 weeks, organs were harvested and analyzed for reporter gene expression. In contrast to low cardiac expression after systemic transfer of the vector solution without microbubbles, ultrasound-targeted destruction of microbubbles significantly increased cardiac reporter activities between 6- and 20-fold. Analysis of spatial distribution of transgene expression using an AAV-9 vector encoding for EGFP revealed transmural expression predominantly in the left ventricular anterior wall. In conclusion, ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction augments cardiac transduction of AAV vectors in rats. This approach may be suitable for efficient, specific and noninvasive AAV-mediated gene transfer in larger animals or humans.     

Effect of High-Intensity Ultrasound–Targeted Microbubble Destruction on Perfusion and Function of the Rat Heart Assessed by Pinhole-Gated SPECT

Although ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) has been shown to induce bioeffects, UTMD is still desirable for therapeutic applications. Therefore, we studied the effects of UTMD on perfusion and function of the rat heart, assessed by ^99mTc-MIBI pinhole-gated SPECT (Ph-gSPECT) compared with biomarker release and histopathology. Fifty-two male Wistar rats were studied. UTMD was performed using SonoVue, with a mechanical index of 1.0 or 1.6. Controls were treated without microbubbles or without ultrasound application. At baseline, day 1, day 7 and day 30, 35 rats were imaged with ^99mTc-MIBI Ph-gSPECT to quantify left ventricular perfusion and function. In addition, troponin release and histopathology were investigated. No significant differences were observed for left ventricular ejection fractions, end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes, regional perfusion and functional scores up to 30 days after UTMD compared with controls. UTMD induced mild troponin release and early erythrocyte extravasation without necrosis, inflammation or fibrosis. Although UTMD has the potential to induce microlesions of the heart in small animals, these effects were transient without histological evidence of irreversible damage. Furthermore, UTMD does not induce abnormalities on perfusion or function of the heart, as assessed by Ph-gSPECT, which is reassuring concerning the use of SonoVue for potential therapeutic applications. (E-mail: sophie.hernot@gmail.com)     

超声破坏微泡促进骨骼肌血管新生的时间-效应关系研究

目的 探讨超声破坏微泡促进大鼠骨骼肌血管新生的时间-效应关系.方法 将48只SD大鼠随机分为4组(超声破坏微泡组、单纯超声组、单纯微泡组、对照组),超声破坏微泡组经尾静脉输入自制的脂质全氟丙烷微泡造影剂0.5 ml,同时用1.0 MHz、2.0 W/cm2的超声在其大腿骨骼肌局部作用3min;单纯超声组仅在骨骼肌局部用同等的超声能量作用;单纯微泡组仅由尾静脉输入脂质全氟丙烷微泡造影剂0.5 ml;对照组不作任何处理.实验结束后的第3、7、10、14、21、28 d,各组分别取两只大鼠处死,取局部骨骼肌行石蜡切片HE染色观察显微结构的变化,CD34免疫组化计数微血管密度(MVD),酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)定量评价血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的表达.结果 超声破微泡组有较多的血管新生;单纯超声组新生血管较少;单纯微泡组和对照组几乎无血管新生.随着时间的变化,超声破坏微泡组的MVD值和VEGF表达在第10 d达到高峰;单纯超声组的高峰出现在第14 d.结论 超声破坏微泡可刺激骨骼肌中内源性VEGF较快、较多地分泌,从而更好地促进新生血管生成.     

经多功能心腔内超声导管超声辐照破坏微泡对犬心肌组织的生物学效应

目的观察经多功能心腔内超声(ICE)导管超声辐照破坏微泡对动物心肌产生的生物学效应,探索基因治疗缺血性心脏病的新方法。方法 15只犬随机分为US+MB组、US组、对照组3组,每组5只。以介入法将多功能ICE导管送入犬心室。对US+MB在ICE监控下向左心室游离壁注射0.5ml微泡,并以1 W/cm2的声能对注射部位辐照1min;对US组以相同条件行左心室壁辐照,但不注射微泡;对照组在插入导管后不进行任何处理。术后3天处死动物,观察心肌组织大体改变,并行HE染色观察细微结构变化。结果ICE能对注射针的进针深度、微泡注射及辐照过程进行实时监控。观察期内所有动物均正常存活。US+MB组心肌辐照部位出现充血、心肌细胞间隙增宽、少量炎性细胞浸润等改变,US组心肌组织仅出现轻微充血;对照组动物心肌无异常变化。结论经ICE导管超声辐照破坏微泡能在靶区域产生相应生物学效应,内置ICE可对心肌内微泡注射、超声辐照过程进行实时监控。此款新型多功能导管可能为基因治疗缺血性心脏病提供新的、更加安全有效的途径。     

Effective gene transfer into central nervous system following ultrasound-microbubbles-induced opening of the blood-brain barrier

To investigate whether ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) could transfer gene into central nervous system (CNS) following blood-brain barrier disruption (BBBD), DNA-loaded microbubbles were infused into the mice intravenously following ultrasonic exposure. Opening of the BBB, changes of mRNA and expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), and safety evaluation were measured. By UTMD, EGFP were substantially expressed in the cytoplasm of the neurons at the sonicated area with minor erythrocytes extravasation and the mRNA and expression of EGFP were markedly enhanced by about 15-fold and 10-fold, respectively, than that with US alone (p < 0.01). No EGFP was detected in the mice treated with DNA-loaded microbubbles or plasmid alone. The gene expression reached a climax at 48 h, gradually reduced to a much lower level thereafter. These results demonstrated UTMD could effectively enhance exogenous gene delivery and expression in CNS following BBBD, and this technique may provide a new method for CNS gene therapy.     

超声靶向微泡破坏实现肿瘤递药研究进展

超声微泡（MB）是诊断成像及药物递送的重要载体。超声靶向微泡破坏（UTMD）技术具有安全、无创、高效且可控等优点。以低强度聚焦超声（LIFU）触发UTMD可将载药MB准确送达肿瘤组织,是极具前景的靶向递药方式。本文就UTMD作用机制及其用于肿瘤递药研究进展进行综述。     

Therapeutic Angiogenesis for Ovarian Transplantation through Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Destruction

Timely angiogenesis and effective microcirculation perfusion are essential for the survival and functional recovery of transplanted ovaries. Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) can lead to angiogenesis and increase flow perfusion by causing transient inflammation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of UTMD on transplanted ovarian revascularization and survival. In vitro, for the criteria of cell viability and tube formation capability, the optimal exposure parameters were determined to be a microbubble concentration of 1 × 10⁸/mL, mechanical index of 1 and exposure time of 30 s. After ovarian transplantation, 40 female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: transplantation alone, ultrasound alone, microbubbles alone and ultrasound and microbubbles (UTMD). At 7 d after transplantation, ovarian perfusion was assessed using qualitative and quantitative methods. The effect of angiogenesis was assessed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound, laser Doppler perfusion imaging and histologic analysis. The results, in which ovarian perfusion was highest in the UTMD group, suggest that UTMD can effectively improve ovarian perfusion. Compared with the other three groups, the number of follicles, microvascular density and rate of Ki-67-positive cells increased significantly in the UTMD group, while apoptosis decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The study indicates that UTMD promoted ovarian re-vascularization after ovarian transplantation and maintained follicular reserve.     

Ultrasound-Mediated Microbubble Destruction Increases Renal Interstitial Capillary Permeability in Early Diabetic Nephropathy Rats

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is defined as persistent proteinuria corresponding to a urinary albumin excretion rate >300 μg/mg in the absence of other non-diabetic renal diseases. The aim of this study was to determine if ultrasound (US)-mediated microbubble (MB) destruction could increase renal interstitial capillary permeability in early DN rats. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin. DN rats presented with mild micro-albuminuria 30 d after onset of diabetes. DN rats (N = 120) were divided into four groups that received Evans blue (EB) followed by: (i) no treatment (control group); (ii) continuous ultrasonic irradiation for 5 min (frequency = 7.00 MHz, mechanical index = 0.9, peak rarefactional pressure = 2.38 MPa: US group); (iii) microbubble injection (0.05 mL/kg: MB group); and (iv) both ultrasound and microbubble injection (US + MB group). Another 8 DN rats were subjected to ultrasound and microbubbles and then injected with EB after 24 h (recovery group). EB content, EB extravasation and E-selectin mRNA and protein expression significantly increased, and interstitial capillary walls became discontinuous in the US + MB group. Neither hemorrhage nor necrosis was observed on renal histology. Urine samples were collected 24 h post-treatment. There was no hematuria, and the urinary albumin excretion rate did not increase after ultrasound-microbubble interaction detected by urinalysis. EB content returned to the control group level after 24 h, as assessed for the recovery group. In conclusion, ultrasound-mediated microbubble destruction locally increased renal interstitial capillary permeability in DN rats, and should be considered a therapy for enhancing drug and gene delivery to the kidney in the future.     

Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction enhances naked plasmid DNA transfection in rabbit Achilles tendons in vivo

The study was to investigate the probability of increasing the transfection of the gene in tendons by ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD), and to search for the most suitable transfection conditions. A mixture of microbubbles and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) plasmids was injected into rabbit Achilles tendons by different administration routes and the tendons were ultrasound pulse by different ultrasonic conditions in order to determine the most appropriate conditions. Then, the rabbits were divided into four groups: (1) ultrasound + microbubbles + plasmid; (2) ultrasound+ plasmid; (3) microbubble + plasmid; (4) plasmid only. EGFP expression in the tendons and other tissues, and the damage to tendon and paratenon were all observed. The results showed that EGFP expression in the tendon was higher by ultrasound pulse with 2 W cm(-2) of output intensity and a 20% duty cycle for 10 min. Local injection was determined to be the better administration route. Among the four groups, EGFP expression in Group 1 was higher than that in other groups. EGFP expression was highest on seventh day, then it gradually decrease over time, and lasted more than 56 days. EGFP expression was not found in other tissues. There was no obvious injury caused by UTMD. Under suitable conditions, it is feasible to use UTMD as a safe and effective gene transfection therapy for tendon injuries.     

诊断超声介导微泡提高肝纤维化通透性及促进基因传递

目的 探讨诊断超声联合微泡对肝纤维化组织通透性的影响及其介导基因转染肝纤维化大鼠的有效性。方法 采用二甲基亚硝胺(DMN)法建立大鼠肝纤维化模型,80只大鼠在建模第4周末随机分为:模型对照组、单纯微泡组、单纯超声组和诊断超声联合微泡组。分别进行肝纤维化微血管通透性实验和基因转染实验,采用激光共聚焦显微镜观察伊文思蓝(EB)在肝纤维化组织内分布情况,同时定量检测肝纤维化组织内EB的含量,评估不同分组微血管通透性。荧光显微镜下观察含增强型绿色荧光蛋白报告基因的质粒转染大鼠肝纤维化模型的基因表达情况。结果 激光共聚焦显微镜显示诊断超声联合微泡组纤维化肝实质内可见明显的EB红色荧光。诊断超声联合微泡组纤维化肝组织中EB含量明显高于其他3组(P<0.05)。荧光显微镜下观察,相比其余3组,诊断超声联合微泡组增强型绿色荧光蛋白最多,基因转染效率最高。结论 诊断超声联合微泡在提高纤维化肝脏微血管通透性的同时可促进基因传递。     

Targeting of VEGF-mediated angiogenesis to rat myocardium using ultrasonic destruction of microbubbles

Myocardial angiogenesis mediated by human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (hVEGF165) cDNA was promoted in rat myocardium using an in vivo-targeted gene delivery system known as ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD). Microbubbles carrying plasmids encoding hVEGF165, or control solutions were infused intravenously during ultrasonic destruction of the microbubbles within the myocardium. Biochemical and histological assessment of gene expression and angiogenesis were performed 5, 10, and 30 days after UTMD. UTMD-treated myocardium contained hVEGF165 protein and mRNA. The myocardium of UTMD-treated animals showed hypercellular foci associated with hVEGF165 expression and endothelial cell markers. Capillary density in UTMD-treated rats increased 18% at 5 days and 33% at 10 days, returning to control levels at 30 days (P<0.0001). Similarly, arteriolar density increased 22% at 5 days, 86% at 10 days, and 31% at 30 days (P<0.0001). Thus, noninvasive delivery of hVEGF165 to rat myocardium by UTMD resulted in significant increases in myocardial capillary and arteriolar density.     

超声介导SonoVue微泡破裂对hAng-1基因完整性和表达效率的影响

目的 探讨超声联合SonoVue微泡介导hAng-1基因转染293T细胞的转染效率及基因完整性和表达状况.方法 构建eGFP-C3-hAn-1质粒,根据不同实验组的设计,应用相应的微泡联合超声辐照条件进行293T细胞的eGFP-C3-hAng-1基因转染,转染后48 h,以荧光显微镜观察到绿色荧光为转染成功标志;流式细胞术检测基因转染阳性细胞率,台盼蓝染色检测细胞生存率;RT-PCR和Western blot技术检测hAng-1基因的mRNA和蛋白表达;琼脂糖凝胶电泳检测经超声辐射后质粒的完整性.结果 ①微泡浓度为20%,DNA浓度为15 mg/L时进行基因转染可获较好转染效率和细胞生存率;②转染体系中血清的存在并不影响转染效率和细胞生存率;③最适转染条件下的超声辐照剂量不会影响DNA的完整性,且转染后的基因可正常表达mRNA并翻译目的蛋白.结论 微泡联合超声辐照能够介导体外细胞治疗性基因的转染,血清的存在并不影响基因的转染,转染后的基因能顺利地表达并具有正常功能.     

超声微泡造影剂介导EGFP质粒转染大鼠视网膜的实验研究

目的探讨超声破坏微泡介导EGFP质粒转染大鼠视网膜的效率及可行性，为实现外源基因高效、定向的转移目的奠定基础。方法将30只Long-evans大鼠分为6组，第1组仅以0．5w／cm。的超声波辐照大鼠眼球，第2组于尾静脉输入适当剂量的微泡造影剂，并立即以相同能量的超声波辐照大鼠眼球，第3组于尾静脉输入质粒，第4组于尾静脉输入质粒，并以超声辐照大鼠眼球，第5组于尾静脉输入质粒与微泡，第6组尾静脉输入质粒、微泡，并用超声辐照眼球。转染2周后，在激光共聚焦显微镜下观察EGFP表达情况。结果超声微泡介导的EGFP质粒对大鼠视网膜的转染效率，明显高于其他实验组。一定能量和时间的超声波辐照，及适当浓度的微泡，对大鼠视网膜脉络膜无明显损伤。结论利用低频率和一定能量的超声击碎携带EGFP质粒的超声微泡造影剂，能够有效地提高EGFP质粒在大鼠视网膜的转染效率。     

Activation of microbubbles by short-pulsed ultrasound enhances the cytotoxic effect of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) in a canine thyroid adenocarcinoma cell line in vitro

Ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction has succeeded in delivering drugs and genes. This study was designed to explore characteristics of ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction using short-pulsed diagnostic ultrasound. Canine thyroid adenocarcinoma cells were exposed to short-pulsed diagnostic ultrasound in the presence of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (cisplatin) and ultrasound contrast agent Sonazoid^® microbubbles. The cytotoxic effect of cisplatin was enhanced by short-pulsed diagnostic ultrasound and microbubbles. Incubation time with microbubbles influenced the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin. However, exposure duration did not affect the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin. Therefore, short-pulsed diagnostic ultrasound may activate microbubbles near cells and deliver cisplatin into cells. In addition, activation of microbubbles may be concluded in a short time. Our results suggest that short exposure duration could be potentially sufficient to induce efficient drug delivery by ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction using short-pulsed diagnostic ultrasound.     

A Comparison of Focused and Unfocused Ultrasound for Microbubble-Mediated Gene Delivery

We compared focused and unfocused ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) for delivery of reporter plasmids to the liver and heart in mice. Optimal hepatic expression was seen with double-depth targeting at 5 and 13 mm in vivo, incorporating a low pulse repetition frequency and short pulse duration. Reporter expression was similar, but the transfection patterns were distinct, with intense foci of transfection using focused UTMD (F-UTMD). We then compared both approaches for cardiac delivery and found 10-fold stronger levels of reporter expression for F-UTMD and observed small areas of intense luciferase expression in the left ventricle. Non-linear contrast imaging of the liver before and after insonation also showed a substantially greater change in signal intensity for F-UTMD, suggesting distinct cavitation mechanisms for both approaches. Overall, similar levels of hepatic transgene expression were observed, but cardiac-directed F-UTMD was substantially more effective. Focused ultrasound presents a new frontier in UTMD-directed gene therapy.