The blood-brain barrier functions as a selective anatomical and physiological barrier to protect brain cells from harmful substances and pathogens. An injury to the brain due to trauma, inflammation or toxins may cause a breakdown of the BBB, permitting the passage of substances into brain tissue that normally are kept out.
On the other hand, the BBB may prevent entry of drugs that could be used as therapy for brain cancer or other CNS disorders.
Researchers are working on ways to slip drugs past the BBB. In one method the drug is injected together with a concentrated sugar solution. Temporarily, the endothelial cells shrink, due to the osmotic effect of the sugar solution, and pull apart to open up gaps in the tight junctions.
The result is entry of the drug into the brain tissue.
0 comments:
Post a Comment