If the brain is the body’s central processing unit, then the blood–brain barrier is its firewall. A specialized network of cells that lines the brain’s vascular system, the blood–brain barrier selectively ushers in nutrients and other essential biomolecules while denying entry to most everything else. But the same system that protects the brain also stymies many therapeutics that could potentia...

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The blood-brain barrier is an evolutionary ancient structure that provides direct support and protection of the nervous system. In all systems, it establishes a tight diffusion barrier that hinders uncontrolled paracellular diffusion into the nervous system. In invertebrates, the blood-brain barrier separates the nervous system from the hemolymph. Thus, the barrier-forming cells need to activel...

Chronic sleep restriction induces blood-brain barrier disruption and increases pro-inflammatory mediators in rodents. Those inflammatory mediators may modulate the blood-brain barrier and constitute a link between sleep loss and blood-brain barrier physiology. We propose that adenosine action on its A2A receptor may be modulating the blood-brain barrier dynamics in sleep-restricted rats. We adm...

The Neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and infections of the brain are becoming more prevalent in society as population become older. Nowadays, these diseases represent a major medical challenge, so neuroprotective therapeutics have the potential to play a key role in managing this growing global burden of long-term neurological care. Despite major advances in neuroscience, treatment for these ...

The mechanism of copper (Cu) transport into the brain is unclear. This study evaluated the main species and route of Cu transport into the brain using in situ brain perfusion technique, and assessed the levels of mRNA encoding Cu transporters using real time RT-PCR. Free (64)Cu uptake in rat choroid plexus (CP), where the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCB) is primarily located, is about 50...