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    Biomedical Imaging and Instrumentation

    Ultrasound Modulation of Melatonin Release

    (E-169) Ultrasound Modulation of Melatonin Release

    Saturday, October 14, 2023
    9:30 AM – 10:30 AM PDT
    Location: Exhibit Hall - Row E - Poster # 169
    Introduction:: This study aims to determine if and how ultrasound may stimulate and control pineal gland function, such as the synthesis and release of melatonin. The subsequent change to increase in melatonin levels in the patient due to ultrasound stimulation of the pineal gland could treat various sleep disorders related to circadian rhythm abnormalities. If this study is successful, it may allow for new strategies in the treatment of endocrine and metabolic diseases via non-invasive selective therapeutic targeting of various endocrine glands.

    Materials and Methods:: Excised pineal glands are obtained from healthy adult Sprague-Dawley rats (8-10) weeks of age, and are washed in a 5mM Krebs Ringer Buffer solution into individual 500μL wells. Circular planar ultrasound transducers with an active diameter of 1.5 cm and a center frequency of 600kHz and 800kHz MHz are placed directly on top of the pineal gland in the well with gel in between dental wax and the plate surface. Ultrasound waveforms are generated using an Agilent 33220A function generator and are further amplified using a 150A100B RF amplifier. Ultrasound is applied for a delivery time of 5 minutes and 120 μL of fluid samples are taken at t = 0 min, t = 5 min, and t = 30 min after application of ultrasound therapy. There are 5-6 glands per sham and experimental groups. Metabolic hormone release is analyzed via the use of a melatonin Competitive ELISA Kit. The melatonin release values will be normalized by subtracting the mean control value. Statistical analysis will be done via a student t-test with unequal variance.

    Figure 1. Normalized difference in released melatonin before ultrasound stimulation, 5mins and 30 mins post ultrasound stimulation with ultrasound parameters: 5 minutes, (either untreated, 600kHz, or 800kHz), 1W/cm², and 100% pulse duration. 





    Results, Conclusions, and Discussions::

    Initial studies have not shown a statistically significant difference in melatonin release between the control and experimental groups after ultrasound application. However, further studies should be completed to confirm these findings, in addition to exploring the effects of varying ultrasound frequencies (400kHz, 600 kHz, 800 kHz, 1 MHz) and intensities. Cell viability studies should also be conducted to investigate potential side effects of ultrasound application on cell viability. Lastly, calcium transient imaging should be conducted to see if an increase in calcium levels are found within the pineal gland during ultrasound stimulation. 



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