Molecular Ultrasound Imaging of Junctional Adhesion Molecule A Depicts Acute Alterations in Blood Flow and Early Endothelial Dysregulation

Abstract

Temporary blood flow variations induce endothelial rearrangement of JAM-A, which can be visualized using JAM-A-targeted microbubbles. Thus, JAM-A may be considered as a marker of acute endothelial activation and dysfunction. Its imaging may facilitate the early detection of cardiovascular risk areas, and it enables the therapeutic prevention of their progression toward an irreversible pathological state.