How Does the Blood-Brain Barrier Affect Neurotoxicology?
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a selective permeability barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances in the bloodstream while allowing essential nutrients to pass through. In the context of neurotoxicology, the BBB plays a crucial role in determining which neurotoxicants can enter the brain and exert their effects. Some toxins can disrupt the integrity of the BBB, while others may use transporter proteins to gain access to the central nervous system.