Biological Effects of Ultrasound Insonification of the Spleen

Biological Effects of Ultrasound Insonification of the Spleen

This is a seven-cohort, double-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled feasibility trial to determine whether organ-specific biological effects are achievable through selective ultrasound of the spleen utilizing low-energy insonification.

This study will consist of three study visits. At the screening visit, individuals will be asked to undergo a physical and neurological examination, a blood draw of 4 teaspoons, and a urine pregnancy test if of childbearing potential.

The participants that clear study screening will be randomized to one of seven groups. The groups consist of: sham insonification at the hilum (connected probe or disconnected probe); half-powered insonification at the hilum; full-powered insonification at the hilum; sham insonification at the lower, middle, and upper spleen; half-powered insonification at the lower, middle, and upper spleen; and full-powered insonification at the lower, middle, and upper spleen.

At the baseline visit, individuals will be asked to undergo a physical and neurological examination and a blood draw of 7 teaspoons before receiving ultrasound as per their assigned group. These individuals will then be asked to undergo a blood draw of 5 teaspoons at 1-hour and 2-hours after the ultrasound.

Individuals will be asked to return 24 hours later for the follow-up visit, which will include a physical and neurological examination and a blood draw of 9 teaspoons.

The blood samples collected before insonification, one hour after insonification, two hours after insonification, and twenty-four hours after insonification will be assessed for changes in biomarkers (substances in the body that indicate the status of a biological process or condition). These biomarkers include cytokines (proteins involved in the immune response), norepinephrine (chemical in the body that transmits signals), glucose (sugar in the blood), and blood cells that are involved in breathing, clotting, and the immune response.

The study will be considered complete after completion of enrollment (10 participants in each group, for a study total of 70 participants), completion of study procedures by all participants, and the completion of analysis of identifiable study data.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals between 18 and 45 years of age
• Individuals without physical disabilities or conditions/diseases that may make them incapable of undergoing the study procedures or otherwise places them at a greater risk of harm
• Individuals without significant past medical or surgical histories that would render them at a greater risk of harm
• Individuals that are considered English Proficient due to the study requirements to follow verbal commands during the ultrasound session
• Individuals that are considered active as assessed by type of activity (i.e., walking, running, etc.) and number of hours a week performing the various activities
• Individuals able to attend all study visits at approximately the same time of day (i.e., 8 - 12 pm)
• Individuals that are able to comprehend the study goals and procedures, and are able to provide informed consent for participation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals participating in another research study that may affect the conduct or results of this study

• Individuals considered substantially overweight or obese via body mass index (≥ 29)

• Individuals having or exhibiting any of the following:

  • surgery in the past 90 days
  • previous surgery of the spleen or splenectomy, esophagus, lungs, stomach, duodenum, or liver
  • recent traumatic injury, including intracerebral hemorrhage and visceral injury
  • end stage renal disease and/or uremia
  • active malignancy
  • previous leukemia and/or lymphoma
  • human immunodeficiency virus infection or AIDS
  • rheumatoid arthritis or other immune-mediated diseases (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease)
  • arrhythmias, including but not limited to, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, clinically significant bradycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, and A-V block
  • implanted pacemaker or cardioverter/defibrillator (AICD)
  • a history of stable or unstable angina, myocardial infarction, angioplasty or coronary arterial by-pass grafting surgery
  • history of stroke or TIA
  • history of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE)
  • previous episodes of pancreatitis
  • spinal disorders
  • chronic pain syndromes
  • history of thrombosis or bleeding disorders
  • stage III-IV pressure ulcers
  • sickle cell anemia or other anemia syndromes
  • monocytosis
  • thrombocytopenia
  • diagnosed with fever of unknown origin (FUO)
  • previously or currently implanted vagus nerve stimulator
  • previously or currently implanted spinal cord stimulator
  • other chronically-implanted electronic medical device
  • history of seizures
  • history of cancer

• Individuals who have taken any of the following medications within one week of receiving ultrasound delivery:

  • anti-coagulant (Coumadin, Xarelto)
  • anti-platelet (aspirin, Plavix)
  • anti-inflammatory (aspirin, NSAIDs)
  • anti-hypertensive (α-methyldopa)
  • epinephrine-related drugs, norepinephrine-related drugs, and drugs that stimulate release of epinephrine and/or norepinephrine (Micronefrin, Asthmanefrin)
  • immunosuppressive agents (steroids, newer immunomodulatory drugs)
  • alpha and/or beta adrenoceptor blocking agents
  • anti-seizure medications
  • other medications, supplements, etc. that may interfere with the ultrasound delivery or study results

• Individuals with a substance abuse (alcoholism or other) problem

• Individuals that consumed alcohol within 4 days of the baseline visit

• Individuals currently using or have used tobacco or nicotine products within the past 1 month

• Individuals currently using or have used recreational drugs within the past 1 month

• Pregnant women

• Prisoners