ImmunoTea: Your Immunology Podcast
ImmunoTea Episode 19 - The Blood Brain Barrier and Long COVID
Jul 14, 2024
Dr. Matthew Campbell, an expert on the blood-brain barrier (BBB), joins to unravel its crucial role in health and disease. He discusses how the BBB operates and its manipulation to improve drug delivery for neurological conditions. The conversation dives into the effects of long COVID, highlighting its connection to cognitive decline and brain fog due to BBB disruptions. Dr. Campbell also shares exciting advancements in therapies aimed at repairing the BBB and enhancing cerebrovascular health, blending serious science with a touch of humor.
38:07
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Quick takeaways
- The blood-brain barrier is a specialized structure critical for protecting neurons, influenced by unique endothelial cell properties and mechanisms.
- Long COVID may compromise the blood-brain barrier, leading to cognitive symptoms, emphasizing the relationship between viral infections and neurological health.
Deep dives
Understanding the Blood-Brain Barrier
The blood-brain barrier is not a solid barrier around the brain but rather a concept representing the properties of cells lining the brain's blood vessels, particularly the endothelial cells. These cells possess distinct receptors and tight junctions that regulate the entry and exit of various molecules, such as glucose, which is essential for brain function. Glucose enters the brain through a receptor-mediated process, allowing it to be delivered to neurons without the ability of the brain to store glucose. The variations in endothelial cell properties compared to peripheral cells illustrate the brain's specialized mechanisms designed to protect its neurons.
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