What type of substance is likely to breach the BBB? Would ethanol be likely to cross this barrier? Why or why not?

Biochemistry
9th Edition
ISBN:9781319114671
Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science
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What type of substance is likely to breach the BBB? Would ethanol be likely to cross this barrier? Why or why not?

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The Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) is designed to protect the brain from foreign agents or toxins that could cause damage to the brain, meanwhile allowing the viral infections to reach the brain, therefore it also controls the exchange of material between the blood and the brain, thereby maintaining the neuronal homeostatic environmental equilibrium.

The BBB is formed by endothelial cells of astrocytes, capillary wall and pericytes embedded in the capillary basement membrane. This system allows the passage of some solutes and that's why known as highly semipermeable membrane. The molecules can be move by passive diffusion, selective and active transport of various nutrients, ions can also take place. 

 

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