Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Understanding the blood-brain barrier and inflammation in pets
By Webb, A A & Muir, G D·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2000·Department of Veterinary Physiological Sciences, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: The blood-brain barrier and its role in inflammation.
Plain-English summary
This research looks at the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is a protective layer in the brain that helps keep the central nervous system (CNS) healthy. The BBB is made up of tightly connected cells that control what can enter the brain. When there is inflammation, the BBB can actually help by producing substances that are involved in the body's response to inflammation. Understanding how the BBB works during these times is important for treating brain diseases in pets like dogs and cats. The findings from this study aim to improve how we approach treatment for inflammatory brain conditions in these animals.
Abstract
The unique microenvironment within the central nervous system (CNS) relies upon the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This selectively permeable barrier comprises interendothelial tight junctions located at the capillaries and postcapillary venules. Cells and structures in the local environment are required to maintain normal BBB function. When inflammation is present, the BBB itself plays an integral role in the inflammatory response by either producing or expressing a variety of cytokines, adhesion molecules, metalloproteinases, serine proteases, products of arachidonic acid metabolism, and nitric oxide. Understanding the role of the BBB during inflammation is essential when creating and employing a therapeutic regime for animals with CNS disease. This review focusses on recent discoveries about the BBB and its role in inflammation, and applies this knowledge to our current understanding of inflammatory CNS disease in dogs and cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10935890/