Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: paul.fr on 24/04/2008 17:28:31

Title: What is the blood - brain barrier?
Post by: paul.fr on 24/04/2008 17:28:31
Often heard quoted, but what is it? And how does it work? Why is it important?
Title: What is the blood - brain barrier?
Post by: iko on 24/04/2008 22:54:22
Poor paul.fr,

left all alone with such a 'thick' question.
Well, I offer the shortest official definition:

"Blood-brain barrier: A protective network of blood vessels and cells that filters blood flowing to the brain."


The blood-brain barrier is a network of blood vessels with tightly-knit cells that keeps harmful substances from passing from the bloodstream into the brain. This barrier, however, also keeps out many potentially helpful agents, including most chemotherapy drugs and some antibiotics.
When a germ (viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites) or even cancer cells have been capable to cross it and invade the central nervous system, everything becomes more difficult in terms of treatment; defense cells, antibodies and some drugs have to be carried actively through this 'barrier' to reach their target.
Researchers are experimenting with promising techniques to bypass the blood-brain barrier, but brain cancer remains one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat cancers.

Now you probably want to know which vitamin deficiency leads to BBB 'leakage', brain lesions and coma.  [:D]

ThikoD
Title: What is the blood - brain barrier?
Post by: turnipsock on 25/04/2008 00:48:23
I came across this earlier this week. It does make brain tumours harder to treat.

I think the current practise is to put in 'chemo strips' after an op, this bipasses the BBB and is quite effective.