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Review Neural Plast. 2021 Dec 6:2021:6564585. doi: 10.1155/2021/6564585. eCollection 2021.

Blood-Brain Barrier Overview: Structural and

Functional Correlation
Abeer Alahmari 1 2

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PMID: 34912450 PMCID: PMC8668349 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6564585
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Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a semipermeable and extremely selective system in the central
nervous system of most vertebrates, that separates blood from the brain's extracellular fluid. It plays a
vital role in regulating the transport of necessary materials for brain function, furthermore, protecting
it from foreign substances in the blood that could damage it. In this review, we searched in Google
Scholar, Pubmed, Web of Science, and Saudi Digital Library for the various cells and components that
support the development and function of this barrier, as well as the different pathways to transport
the various molecules between blood and the brain. We also discussed the aspects that lead to BBB
dysfunction and its neuropathological consequences, with the identification of some of the most Title & authors
important biomarkers that might be used as a biomarker to predict the BBB disturbances. This
comprehensive overview of BBB will pave the way for future studies to focus on developing more
Abstract
specific targeting systems in material delivery as a future approach that assists in combinatorial
therapy or nanotherapy to destroy or modify this barrier in pathological conditions such as brain
Conflict of interest
tumors and brain stem cell carcinomas. statement
Copyright © 2021 Abeer Alahmari.
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The author declares that she has no conflicts of interest.

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Publication types
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms
Animals
Biomarkers / metabolism
Blood-Brain Barrier / metabolism*
Blood-Brain Barrier / pathology
Brain / metabolism*
Brain / pathology
Humans

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