I came across a newsletter where there has been research done on drugs that allow it to reach the brain and can have a huge impact for people with Alzheimer's or brain cancer. It can be a huge step forward to help with these certain viruses that can slowly but surely lead to death.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Blood -Brian Barrier
The blood -brain barrier is very important to our health. The purpose for it is to protect the nervous system from and viruses and other dangerous chemicals with a wall of cells that surround the blood vessels of the brain and spinal cord. However this only works if the virus infects a skin or blood cell, because there are other viruses, such as rabies, that can enter the nervous system and make their way into the brain leading to death. In the case of this video it shows how lead is able to pass through the cell wall and into the brain causing brain damage:
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Yes, the blood-brain barrier is fascinating, especially when you consider the lengths it goes to in order to prevent pathogens from breaching it and infecting our central nervous system. The newsletter you linked was interesting too. It's amazing how rapidly we are finding ways to go against nature for the greater good. But then I'm led to question whether or not we should be going this far. For instance, what if we end up making our blood-brain barriers weaker through these medications? Wouldn't that make us more susceptible to disease and illness? It's definitely something worth discerning, in my opinion. What do you think, Krystal?
ReplyDeleteVery interesting, I now wonder how many pathogens or chemicals do go through the blood brain barrier and how many of them are stopped in their tracks. And how many beneficial chemicals, that would help our brain, are also killed due to the brains defenses. And if we do wants those beneficial chemicals go to our brain, would it be worth it to weaken our brain barriers for it while also risking pathogens and viruses to enter as well?
ReplyDeletei thought it was neat to learn how the blood-brain barrier works and how some chemicals can and cannot cross it. it was cool to learn how its main purpose was to protect our nervous system
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