功能超声成像技术及其应用研究进展

The developments and applications of functional ultrasound imaging

近年来,由于超快速超声成像技术的出现,超声对低速、微弱血流检测的灵敏度得到较大提升,衍生出功能超声成像(fUSI)。fUSI是一种崭新的神经功能成像的方法,利用神经血管耦合可对中枢神经系统(CNS)的功能活动进行高时空分辨率、高灵敏度、动态、无创或微创的检测。其易用性和便携性高,填补了功能磁共振成像(fMRI)和光学成像之间的空白,并可与电生理记录、光遗传学兼容。本文对fUSI技术发展及其在神经成像领域应用研究进行了综述,截至目前,fUSI已用于小鼠、非人灵长类等多种动物的脑功能成像,以及临床术中成像和新生儿的床旁脑功能成像,在神经科学研究中具有较大应用潜力,可望成为神经科学家、病理学家与药理学家的重要工具。

In recent years, due to the emergence of ultrafast ultrasound imaging technology, the sensitivity of detecting slow and micro blood flow with ultrasound has been dramatically improved, and functional ultrasound imaging(fUSI) has been developed. fUSI is a novel technology for neurological imaging that utilizes neurovascular coupling to detect the functional activity of the central nervous system(CNS) with high spatiotemporal resolution and high sensitivity,which is dynamic, non-invasive or minimally invasive. fUSI fills the gap between functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI) and optical imaging with its high accessibility and portability. Moreover, it is compatible with electrophysiological recording and optogenetics. In this paper, we review the developments of fUSI and its applications in neuroimaging. To date, fUSI has been used in various animals ranging from mice to non-human primates, as well as in clinical surgeries and bedside functional brain imaging of neonates. In conclusion, fUSI has great potential in neuroscience research and is expected to become an important tool for neuroscientists, pathologists and pharmacologists.