Blood-brain barrier modulation stimulates myelin-producing cells

Researchers at Sunnybrook Research Institute and the University of Toronto have published a preclinical study on the potential of focused ultrasound to stimulate the production of oligodendrocytes, the cells that create myelin, which is crucial for neuronal function. The study found that treatment with focused ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier (BBB) modulation led to an increase in the production of new oligodendrocytes in two regions of the mouse brain.

Myelin, an insulating layer surrounding many nerve fibers, plays a key role in enabling efficient electrical signal transmission through the brain. The researchers used magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound combined with intravenous microbubbles to temporarily alter the BBB, specifically targeting the hippocampus or striatum in healthy mice.

By analyzing oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and comparing treated areas with untreated areas, the team discovered that the treatment led to a fivefold increase in newly generated myelinating oligodendrocytes at 30 days. Crucially, there was no evidence of brain damage or injury within or around the treatment zone. While the findings suggest that focused ultrasound may stimulate the brain's own cells involved in myelin production without delivering a drug, further research is needed to determine if this effect occurs in aged animals and disease models, whether it can be observed in both sexes, how long the response lasts, and whether it improves brain function.

The study also did not measure new myelin formation around axons, changes in white matter structure, memory, or disease progression.