Micromanipulation of endothelial cells: ultrasound-microbubble-cell interaction.
Ultrasound (US) in combination with contrast microbubbles has been shown to alter the permeability of cell membranes without affecting cell viability. This permeabilisation feature is used to design new drug delivery systems using US and contrast agents. The underlying mechanisms are still unknown. One hypothesis is that oscillating microbubbles cause cell deformation resulting in enhanced cell membrane permeability. This technical note reveals the interaction between oscillating microbubbles and endothelial cells under a microscope recorded with a fast framing camera at 10 million frames per second. A microbubble expansion of 100% resulted a 2.3-mum displacement of the cell membrane. During the insonification, changes of approximately 15% in the cross-sectional distance of the endothelial cells were observed due to microbubble vibrations. In conclusion, the use of such a camera makes it possible to reveal the mechanisms of interactions between ultrasound, microbubbles and cells.
van Wamel
Annemieke
A
Department of Experimental Echocardiography, Thoraxcentre, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. j.vanwamel@erasmusmc.nl
Bouakaz
Ayache
A
Versluis
Michel
M
de Jong
Nico
N
D000818:Animals; D001011:Aorta; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000494:pharmacology; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D045423:Microbubbles; D008846:Micromanipulation / Q000379:methods; D009038:Motion; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000494:pharmacology; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride / Q000494:pharmacology; D013552:Swine; D014463:Ultrasonography
D003287:Contrast Media; D010743:Phospholipids; C420843:contrast agent BR1; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride