METHOD FOR MODIFYING GLOMERULAR PERMEABILITY AND FUNCTION WITH FOCUSED ULTRASOUND

摘要

A method for noninvasively changing the permeability of a region of a subject that includes a desired tissue is provided. More specifically, low-power focused ultrasound (FUS) is employed to alter the permeability of the glomerulus so as to alter the glomerular ultrafiltration coefficient. By employing FUS after administering a microbubble contrast agent to a subject, glomerular filtration is temporarily increased and the clearance of larger molecules, which are normally not filtered by the kidney, is allowed. This method offers new treatment opportunities for renal disease management.