Blood-brain barrier interfaces and brain tumors

Sae-Won Lee1, Woo Jean Kim, Jeong Ae Park

  • 1Neurovascular Coordination Research Center, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Korea.

Summary

This review summarizes recent findings on how oxygen tension and growth factors influence the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a structure that regulates the exchange of molecules between the bloodstream and the brain. The BBB is important for maintaining brain health, and its disruption is linked to brain disorders like tumors. The authors explore how environmental and molecular factors affect BBB development and stability. They suggest that oxygen levels and growth factors like VEGF and PDGF may play a role in BBB function. The review also examines how BBB dysfunction may contribute to tumor growth. The findings highlight the need for further research into BBB regulation to better understand its role in brain health.

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