blood-brain barrier

Definitions

A structure in the central nervous system (CNS) that keeps various substances found in the bloodstream out of the brain while allowing in the substances essential to metabolic function, e.g. oxygen.

Equivalents

Examples

“The brain and spinal cord are insulated by a tight cellular seal called the blood-brain barrier that prevents foreign chemicals from easily getting into the brain.”

“It’s estimated only 0.1% of antibodies circulating in the bloodstream enter⟳ the brain – this also includes the therapeutic antibodies currently used in clinical trials. An approach⟳ my team is taking is to use⟳ ultrasound to temporarily open⟳ the blood-brain barrier, which increases the uptake of Alzheimer’s drugs or antibody fragments.”

CEFR level