PMID: 2119089Mar 1, 1990Paper

Passage of immunomodulators across the blood-brain barrier

The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine
J T Stitt

Abstract

The question is considered of how and where cytokines, such as interleukin 1 (IL-1), that are released into the circulation during the host defense response, reach and interact with the central nervous system to produce fever or act as neuroimmunomodulators. Evidence is presented suggesting a role for a brain circumventricular organ (CVO) in this respect. Several interactions between a specific CVO, the organum vasculosum laminae terminalis (OVLT) and endogenous pyrogen (EP) in the production of fever are reviewed. A more general hypothesis is developed on a role for the brain CVOs in monitoring the blood concentrations of several proteins and complex polypeptides such as the circulating endocrines that are regulated via the autonomic nervous system. A proposed connection between the release of prostaglandin E (PGE) at the blood-brain interface in response to infection and the ability of the brain to maintain an immunoprivileged status in the face of exposure of its CVOs to foreign antigens is discussed.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Blood Brain Barrier

The blood brain barrier is a border that separates blood from cerebrospinal fluid. Discover the latest search on this highly selective semipermeable membrane here.

Blood Brain Barrier Regulation in Health & Disease

The blood brain barrier is essential in regulating the movement of molecules and substances in and out of the brain. Disruption to the blood brain barrier and changes in permeability allow pathogens and inflammatory molecules to cross the barrier and may play a part in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Here is the latest research in this field.

Avian Influenza: Innate Immune Adjuvant (ASM)

Adjuvants systems that are added to vaccines against avian influenza have be explored to enhance the innate immune system response against the virus. Here is the latest research on avian influenza and the innate immune adjuvant.

Avian Influenza: Innate Immune Adjuvant

Adjuvants systems that are added to vaccines against avian influenza have be explored to enhance the innate immune system response against the virus. Here is the latest research on avian influenza and the innate immune adjuvant.

Blood Brain Barrier Chips

The blood brain barrier (BBB) is comprised of endothelial cells that regulate the influx and outflux of plasma concentrations. Lab-on-a-chip devices allow scientists to model diseases and mechanisms such as the passage of therapeutic antibodies across the BBB. Discover the latest research on BBB chips here.

Blood Brain Barrier & Cytokines

Some cytokines are able to cross the blood brain barrier through transport systems and enter the cerebrospinal fluid and interstitial fluid spaces. Here is the latest research on cytokines crossing the blood brain barrier and how this can affect tissues within the CNS.