Disruption in the Blood-Brain Barrier: The Missing Link between Brain and Body Inflammation in Bipolar Disorder?

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) regulates the transport of micro- and macromolecules between the peripheral blood and the central nervous system (CNS) in order to maintain optimal levels of essential nutrients and neurotransmitters in the brain. In addition, the BBB plays a critical role protecting th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of neural transplantation & plasticity 2015-01, Vol.2015 (2015), p.107-118-111
Main Authors: Patel, Jay P., Frey, Benicio N.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amino acids
Animals
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar Disorder - etiology
Bipolar Disorder - physiopathology
Blood-brain barrier
Blood-Brain Barrier - physiopathology
Circulatory system
Encephalitis - complications
Encephalitis - physiopathology
Glucose
Growth factors
Hormones
Humans
Immunoglobulins
Inflammation
Inflammation - metabolism
Inflammation Mediators - metabolism
Insulin
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 - metabolism
Models, Neurological
Oxidative Stress
Permeability
Potassium
Proteins
Reactive oxygen species
Review
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Summary:The blood-brain barrier (BBB) regulates the transport of micro- and macromolecules between the peripheral blood and the central nervous system (CNS) in order to maintain optimal levels of essential nutrients and neurotransmitters in the brain. In addition, the BBB plays a critical role protecting the CNS against neurotoxins. There has been growing evidence that BBB disruption is associated with brain inflammatory conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Considering the increasing role of inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD), here we propose a novel model wherein transient or persistent disruption of BBB integrity is associated with decreased CNS protection and increased permeability of proinflammatory (e.g., cytokines, reactive oxygen species) substances from the peripheral blood into the brain. These events would trigger the activation of microglial cells and promote localized damage to oligodendrocytes and the myelin sheath, ultimately compromising myelination and the integrity of neural circuits. The potential implications for research in this area and directions for future studies are discussed.
ISSN:0792-8483
2090-5904
1687-5443
DOI:10.1155/2015/708306