Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, USA
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Blood-brain barrier: Challenges and opportunities for the treatment of neurological disorders
Author(s): Liangfang Schwartz*
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a specialized system of blood vessels
that controls the exchange of substances between the blood and the
brain. It is composed of tightly packed endothelial cells, surrounded
by astrocytes and pericytes, which create a selective barrier that
restricts the passage of molecules based on their size, polarity, and
charge. The BBB serves as a protective barrier, preventing the entry of
harmful substances while allowing essential nutrients to pass through.
However, it can also limit the delivery of therapeutic drugs to the
brain, posing a challenge for the treatment of neurological disorders.
The BBB is a complex and fascinating system that continues to be the
subject of ongoing research in neuroscience and pharmacology. .. View More»