Blast-associated shock wave-induced @entity131 (bTBI) remains a persistent risk for armed forces worldwide, yet its detailed pathophysiology remains to be fully investigated. In this study, we have designed and characterized a laboratory-scale shock tube to develop a rodent model of bTBI. Our blast tube, driven by a mixture of @entity26 and @entity14493 , effectively generates blast overpressures of 20-130 psi, with pressure-time profiles similar to those of free-field blast waves. We tested our shock tube for @entity1545 response to various blast wave conditions in @entity35 . The results show that blast waves cause diffuse vascular @entity75 , as determined using a sensitive optical imaging method based on the fluorescence signal of Evans Blue dye extravasation developed in our laboratory. Vascular leakage increased with increasing blast overpressures and mapping of the brain slices for optical signal intensity indicated nonhomogeneous damage to the cerebral vasculature. We confirmed vascular leakage due to disruption in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity following blast exposure. Reactive @entity26 species (ROS) levels in the brain also increased with increasing blast pressures and with time post-blast wave exposure. Immunohistochemical analysis of the brain sections analyzed at different time points post blast exposure demonstrated @entity5219 and cell apoptosis, confirming sustained @entity528 response. The main advantages of our shock-tube design are minimal jet effect and no requirement for specialized equipment or facilities, and effectively generate blast-associated shock waves that are relevant to battle-field conditions. Overall data suggest that increased oxidative stress and BBB disruption could be the crucial factors in the propagation and spread of @entity528 following @entity3614 . Further studies are required to determine the interplay between increased ROS activity and BBB disruption to develop effective therapeutic strategies that can prevent the resulting cascade of @entity179 .

Blast-Associated Shock Waves Result in Increased Brain Vascular Leakage and Elevated ROS Levels in a @entity35 Model of XXXX .

@entity1545 :: ('MESH:D020214', 'Disease') :: ['brain injury'] @entity14493 :: ('MESH:D000114', 'Chemical') :: ['acetylene'] @entity131 :: ('MESH:D001930', 'Disease') :: ['traumatic brain injury'] @entity3614 :: ('MESH:D001753', 'Disease') :: ['blast injury'] @entity75 :: ('MESH:D001927', 'Disease') :: ['brain damage'] @entity26 :: ('MESH:D010100', 'Chemical') :: ['oxygen'] @entity5219 :: ('MESH:D005911', 'Disease') :: ['astrocytosis'] @entity179 :: ('MESH:D019636', 'Disease') :: ['neurodegeneration'] @entity35 :: ('10116', 'Species') :: ['rats'] @entity528 :: ('MESH:D009410', 'Disease') :: ['neuronal injury', 'neuronal degeneration']
@entity131 :: (MESH:D001930,Disease) :: ['Traumatic Brain Injury']
