Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) & Blood-Brain Barrier Physiology Archives

Which investigations can be performed on CSF?

Routinely Performed Opening pressureTotal Cell count (WBC & RBC)Cell differential countGlucose (CSF/plasma ratio)Total protein Useful in Specific Situations Microbiological stains:Gram stainAcid-Fast stainMicrobiological cultures:Bacterial cultureFungal cultureTB...

What is the normal volume of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

CSF pressure is gravitational and varies with position In the lateral position normal pressure is 5-20 cm of H2O In the sitting position: Pressure in the lumbar region rises to 20-50 cmH20 Pressure in the cervical region may be...

How can the passage of drugs to the CNS across blood-brain barrier be enhanced?

Route Bypass the BBB Increase the lipophilicity of drug Increase permeability of BBB 'Prodrug' to Utilise BBB Transport Mechanisms 'Trojan Horse' Delivery to Utilise BBB Transport Mechanisms Explanation Direct administration into the CSF bypasses the BBB to reach...

How do substances cross the blood-brain barrier and which substances pass by each route?

Route Free Membrane Diffusion Membrane Channels Carrier-Mediated Transport Receptor-Mediated Transport (via transcytosis) Adsorption mediated transport (via transcytosis) Examples Small Lipophilic molecules and gases:O2, CO2AnaestheticsEthanol, nicotine Small ions and...

Which substances does the blood-brain barrier prevent from entering the brain?

Catecholamines Amino acids Ammonia (NH3) Macromolecules Charged Ions A number of catecholamines (such as noradrenaline and dopamine) act as neurotransmitters in the central nervous system Unregulated entry across the blood brain barrier can result in permanent...

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