BLOOD–BRAIN BARRIER: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION, AND NEUROLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF ITS DISRUPTION
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Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a highly specialized physiological structure that regulates the exchange of substances between the systemic circulation and the central nervous system. It plays a fundamental role in protecting the brain from toxins, pathogens, and fluctuations in blood composition while maintaining neural homeostasis. The BBB is formed by endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by pericytes, astrocytes, and the basement membrane, collectively known as the neurovascular unit. Disruption of BBB integrity is a critical pathological mechanism in a wide range of neurological disorders. This article reviews the structural and functional characteristics of the blood–brain barrier and examines the consequences of its dysfunction in major neurological conditions, including stroke, neuroinfections, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain tumors. In ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, BBB breakdown contributes to cerebral edema and secondary neuronal injury. In neuroinfections, increased permeability facilitates inflammatory infiltration and neural damage. Chronic BBB impairment is implicated in the progression of neurodegenerative disorders, while tumor-associated vascular abnormalities lead to localized barrier disruption. Understanding the mechanisms underlying BBB dysfunction is essential for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving or restoring barrier integrity and improving neurological outcomes.
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