Toxicological Research  2013;29(3):157-164

Loss of Integrity: Impairment of the Blood-brain Barrier in Heavy Metal-associated Ischemic Stroke.

Jeong Hyeon KIM 1 ; Hyeong Min BYUN ; Eui Cheol CHUNG ; Han Young CHUNG ; Ok Nam BAE

Affiliations

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Keywords

Ischemic stroke; Blood-brain barrier; Tight junction; Neurovascular unit; Heavy metals

Country

Republic 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.