Ultrasound blood–brain barrier opening: A new era of treatment for Alzheimer's disease?

Abstract

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays an important role in maintaining the stability of the central nervous system (CNS). However, it serves as a formidable barrier that restricts the entry of therapeutic agents. Recent research shows that some pathways have the potential to reshape conventional drug delivery paradigms and address the limitations caused by the selectivity of the BBB. Innovative approaches to enhance drug delivery include intranasal delivery exploiting olfactory and trigeminal pathways, as well as techniques such as temporary BBB opening using chemicals and receptors, or focused ultrasound (FUS). 1 These technologies have their pros and cons. The intranasal delivery route is considered non-invasive, and drug transportation might proceed via the olfactory and trigeminal pathways, ultimately leading access to the CNS. 2 However, nasal administration exhibits certain limitations, such as the lack of consistency in the administered dosage of the drug. 3 Chemicals, such as borneol and alkyl glycerols, can enhance the permeability of the BBB, potentially revolutionizing drug delivery to the brain. However, consideration must be given to their potential toxicity and lack of selectivity. The second approach involves modifying tight junctions How to cite this article: Wang C, Ren J. Ultrasound bloodbrain barrier opening: A new era of treatment for Alzheimer's disease?