Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is often perceived as a passive membrane. However, evidence has demonstrated that the BBB plays an active role in normal homeostasis and in certain disease processes. METHODS: Approximately 300 peer-reviewed publications that discussed normal or abnormal BBB function were reviewed. RESULTS: The role of the BBB and how it contributes to disorders of the central nervous system vary, depending on the specific disease process. CONCLUSION: In health and disease and extending to old age, endothelial cells, neurons, and glia constitute a neurovascular unit that regulates the BBB. Advances toward penetrating the BBB must account for both normal and abnormal functions of the neurovascular unit.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 131-142 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Neurosurgery |
Volume | 54 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2004 |
Keywords
- Barrier
- Blood
- Brain
- Central nervous system delivery
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Clinical Neurology