Here the authors utilize the non-linear contrast imaging capabilities of the Vevo 3100 to determine if they can detect the changes in islet microvascular permeability that occurs simultaneously as insilitus, local inflammation, and islet cell decline in type 1 diabetes.
The authors found that:
- In their type 1 diabetes model, nanobubbles accumulate specifically within pancreatic islets, correlating with insulitis.
- That this accumulation can be detected early in disease progression and decreases with successful therapeutic intervention.
- Thus, sub-micron sized nanobubble ultrasound contrast agents provide a predictive marker for disease progression and therapeutic reversal early in asymptomatic type 1 diabetes.