Development of an inhalable contrast agent targeting the respiratory tract mucus layer for pulmonary ultrasonic imaging.

ABSTRACT: Impaired mucociliary transport is a distinguishing sign of cystic fibrosis, but current methods of evaluation are invasive or expose young patients to ionizing radiation. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging may provide a feasible alternative. We formulated a cationic microbubble ultrasound contrast agent, to optimize adhesion to the respiratory mucus layer when inhaled. Potential toxicity was evaluated in human bronchial epithelial cell (hBEC) cultures following a 24-hour exposure, compared to positive and negative control conditions. In vivo tolerability and pulmonary image enhancement feasibility were evaluated in mice, comparing oropharyngeal administration of contrast agent to saline control. When induced to flow across mucus plated on microscope slides, cationic microbubbles demonstr

SUBMITTER: Tsuruta JK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11609298 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature