Description
This test helps determine if there is increased permeability to the blood brain barrier (BBB) which is a physical barrier formed by the arrangement of endothelial cells and tight junctions that line the capillaries which supply blood to the brain. The BBB is a highly selective barrier that restricts the movement of molecules from the blood across to the brain. The BBB naturally permits the passage of essential metabolites, small hydrophobic (lipid soluble) molecules like oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones, etc. When functioning normally the BBB acts like a filter and prevents the entry of infectious agents, toxins and other environmental triggers into the nervous system.
