What is the Significance of the Blood-Brain Barrier?
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a selective permeability barrier that protects the brain from potentially harmful substances in the bloodstream. Its effectiveness depends on the biological makeup of the individual. Some toxicants can cross the BBB, either through passive diffusion or by using transport mechanisms, leading to neurotoxicity. Understanding the properties of the BBB and how it interacts with various substances is critical in toxicology, especially in the development of drugs aimed at treating central nervous system disorders.
