Loss of Integrity: Impairment of the Blood-brain Barrier in Heavy Metal-associated Ischemic Stroke.
- Author:
Jeong Hyeon KIM
1
;
Hyeong Min BYUN
;
Eui Cheol CHUNG
;
Han Young CHUNG
;
Ok Nam BAE
Author Information
1. College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Gyeonggi-do, Korea. onbae@hanyang.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Ischemic stroke;
Blood-brain barrier;
Tight junction;
Neurovascular unit;
Heavy metals
- MeSH:
Blood-Brain Barrier*;
Brain;
Cause of Death;
Endothelial Cells;
Incidence;
Metals, Heavy;
Prevalence;
Stroke*;
Tight Junctions;
Xenobiotics
- From:Toxicological Research
2013;29(3):157-164
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Although stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, preventive or therapeutic options are still limited. Therefore, a better understanding of the pathophysiological characteristics of this life-threatening disease is urgently needed. The incidence and prevalence of ischemic stroke are increased by exposure to certain types of xenobiotics, including heavy metals, suggesting the possible toxicological contribution of these compounds to the onset or aggravation of stroke. Among the potential targets, we have focused on alterations to cerebral endothelial cells (CECs), which play important roles in maintaining the functional integrity of brain tissue.
