Blood–Brain Barrier

The central nervous system (CNS) requires precise maintenance of its ionic environment for appropriate neuronal synaptic activity. The regulatory elements comprising the blood–brain barrier (BBB) protect the stability of the CNS and ensure an adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen to neurons and glial cells. BBB permeability, transport function, and metabolism are influenced by inflammatory mediators that play important roles in the inflammatory transduction signals to the brain parenchyma. BBB dysfunction and inflammatory stress represent underlying mechanisms for the manifestation of many neurological diseases. Both mechanisms closely interact to further exacerbate pathological brain lesions. As such, both BBB dysfunction and inflammatory stressors can be targeted for the development of therapeutic strategies for many neurological disorders.