The Blood-Brain Barrier in Hypoxia

Abstract

The concept of blood-brain barrier has moved over the past years from a passive and relatively immutable structure to a more dynamic interface between blood and brain tissue. The transport mechanisms regulating this adaptative interface might be considered as the most sensitive elements to change such as hypoxia. Among various carrier mediated transports existing at the blood-brain barrier, glucose transport seems to play a predominant role. In severe hypoxia, progressive changes in glucose transport are occurring. These modifications associated with hypoxia can lead to deleterious events when reaching critical threshold. In addition the appearance of vasogenic edema due to changes in cerebral-blood flow, can possibly be prevented by some pharmacological interaction such as the use of selective brain calcium channel blockers.

Key words

Blood-brain barrier - glucose transport - vasogenic edema - calcium channel blockers