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Low intensity ultrasound inhibits brain oedema formation in rats: potential action on AQP4 membrane localization
Author(s) -
Karmacharya Mrigendra Bir,
Kim Kil Hwan,
Kim See Yoon,
Chung Joonho,
Min ByoungHyun,
Park So Ra,
Choi Byung Hyune
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
neuropathology and applied neurobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.538
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1365-2990
pISSN - 0305-1846
DOI - 10.1111/nan.12182
Subject(s) - hippocampal formation , stimulation , in vivo , hippocampus , medicine , pathology , neuroscience , biology , microbiology and biotechnology
Aims Brain oedema is a major contributing factor to the morbidity and mortality of a variety of brain disorders. Although there has been considerable progress in our understanding of pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms associated with brain oedema so far, more effective treatment is required and is still awaited. Here we intended to study the effects of low intensity ultrasound ( LIUS ) on brain oedema. Methods We prepared the rat hippocampal slice in vitro and acute water intoxication in vivo models of brain oedema. We applied LIUS stimulation in these models and studied the molecular mechanisms of LIUS action on brain oedema. Results We found that LIUS stimulation markedly inhibited the oedema formation in both of these models. LIUS stimulation significantly reduced brain water content and intracranial pressure resulting in increased survival of the rats. Here, we showed that the AQP 4 localization was increased in the astrocytic foot processes in the oedematous hippocampal slices, while it was significantly reduced in the LIUS ‐stimulated hippocampal slices. In the in vivo model too, AQP 4 expression was markedly increased in the microvessels of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus after water intoxication but was reduced in the LIUS ‐stimulated rats. Conclusions These data show that LIUS has an inhibitory effect on cytotoxic brain oedema and suggest its therapeutic potential to treat brain oedema. We propose that LIUS reduces the AQP 4 localization around the astrocytic foot processes thereby decreasing water permeability into the brain tissue.