AGE-RELATED-CHANGES IN THE BLOOD-BRAIN-BARRIER

Aging of the cerebral microcirculation results in significant alterati on in the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The barrier function appears to r emain intact in older animals, although it may be more susceptible to disruption by external factors (hypertension) and drugs (haloperidol). While overall transport processes do not change with age, aging anima ls and humans have altered BBB function of select carrier mediated tra nsport systems including the transport of choline, glucose, butyrate a nd triiodothyronine. These age-related changes are the result of eithe r alteration in the carrier molecules or the physiochemical properties of the cerebral microvessels. At the present time, it is not known wh ether changes in the BBB contribute to the age-related neurodegenerati ve diseases or are merely epiphenomena of aging. (C) 1997 Elsevier Sci ence Inc.