Through the cracks in the barrier
A non-invasive way to deliver drugs to the brain has been found
Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+
The new approach will allow more effective use of therapeutic agents for the treatment of a number of brain injuries and diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Many promising treatments for diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) fail due to difficult access for drugs to brain tissue. The organ protects the blood–brain barrier - a system of molecular "gateways" that prevents any penetration into the brain, including the latest medicines. It is believed that for this reason, only 2% of antibodies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease reach the goal.
New studies of the human glymphatic system open an unexpected way for drug delivery, according to the website of the University of Rochester (USA).
Studies have shown that the glymphatic system works more actively during sleep, and its mechanics are an effective way to deliver drugs deep into the brain.
In experiments with mice, the team of scientists injected antibodies directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, and then reduced intracranial pressure with a special saline solution. As a result, an ionic imbalance is triggered, which pushes fluid out of the brain. At this point, the new cerebrospinal fluid with the drug takes the place of the old one, transferring antibodies to the brain tissue.
Figure from the article by Plog et al. Transcranial optical imaging reveals a pathway for optimizing the delivery of immunotherapeutics to the brain, published in the journal JCI Insight – VM.
The team believes that such a method can be used not only to deliver proteins to the brain, but also for various molecules and viruses that are used in gene therapy.
"As a result, the glymphatic system will become a key player in the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injuries, brain cancer, Charcot's disease and others," concludes scientist Maiken Nedergaard.
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