Alzheimer’s disease: A matter of blood–brain barrier dysfunction?

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) keeps neurotoxic plasma-derived components, cells, and pathogens out of the brain. An early BBB breakdown and/or dysfunction have been shown in Alzheimer's disease (AD) before dementia, neurodegeneration and/or brain atrophy occur. However, the role of BBB breakdown in neurodegenerative disorders is still not fully understood. Here, we examine BBB breakdown in animal models frequently used to study the pathophysiology of AD, including transgenic mice expressing human amyloid-β precursor protein, presenilin 1, and tau mutations, and apolipoprotein E, the strongest genetic risk factor for AD. We discuss the role of BBB breakdown and dysfunction in neurodegenerative process, pitfalls…

• AA
  Alzheimer's Association
• CA
  Cure Alzheimer's Fund
• FL
  Fondation Leducq

  Award: 16 CVD 05
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: R01NS034467, R01AG039452, R01NS090904, R01AG023084, 5P01AG052350