Non-Invasive DNA Probe Delivery Enables MR Detection of Gene Up-Regulation Associated with Psychostimulant Sensitization

Christina H. Liu¹, Jia Q. Ren¹, Charng-ming Liu¹, Philip K. Liu¹

Synopsis Intracerebroventricular infusion of therapeutics or MR contrast agents by lumbar or cortical puncture to the brains was the route of choice to bypass the blood brain barrier (BBB) and to achieve uniform distribution. However, only limited number of delivery can be performed in the same subject, therefore, has limited longitudinal applicability. Here we explore the feasibility of a non-invasive DNA-based MRI probe delivery route by intraperitoneal injection with BBB bypass to assess gene up-regulation associated with chronic drug exposure.