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The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a highly selective semipermeable border of endothelial cells that regulates the transfer of solutes and chemicals between the circulatory system and the central nervous system, thus protecting the brain from harmful or unwanted substances in the blood. [1]
The blood–brain barrier is formed by special tight junctions between endothelial cells lining brain blood vessels. Blood vessels of all tissues contain this monolayer of endothelial cells, however only brain endothelial cells have tight junctions preventing passive diffusion of most substances into the brain tissue. [1]
Coating these polymeric nanoparticle devices with different surfactants can also aid BBB crossing and uptake in the brain. Surfactants such as polysorbate 80, 20, 40, 60, and poloxamer 188, demonstrated positive drug delivery through the blood–brain barrier, whereas other surfactants did not yield the same results. [2]
By getting drugs beyond the blood-brain barrier, researchers believe they could better target treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, seizures, and plenty more. So, it’s safe to say it’s been a goal.
Circumventricular organs (CVOs) (circum-: around ; ventricular: of ventricle) are structures in the brain characterized by their extensive and highly permeable capillaries, unlike those in the rest of the brain where there exists a blood–brain barrier (BBB) at the capillary level.
This precursor to dopamine can penetrate through the blood–brain barrier, whereas the neurotransmitter dopamine cannot. There has been extensive research to determine whether L-dopa is a better treatment for Parkinson's disease rather than other dopamine agonists.
These must penetrate the blood-brain barrier in order to be effective. Sometimes mixing multiple forms of treatment with chemotherapy seems to be the best route. [4] [7] For example, some significant improvement has been shown as a result of cranial radiation treatment preceding a brief course of intrathecal chemotherapy. [8]
More patients with leptomeningeal metastasis should be enrolled into trials investigating novel agents with the potential to penetrate the blood–brain barrier. [31] Novel approaches are being studied as currently available therapies are toxic and provide limited benefits. [8]