The changes in the permeability of the blood-brain barrier when under neurosurgical intervention

Mol Chem Neuropathol. 1993 Dec;20(3):197-202. doi: 10.1007/BF03160073.

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine the influence of anesthesia, drugs, and neurosurgical trauma on the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for macromolecules. Protein markers of oligodendrocytes and astroglia were used. The research methods were unique. Two groups of patients were formed: with neurosurgical brain trauma and without it. Everyone in both groups was subjected to anesthesia. The results were unexpected and did not depend on surgery: 1. Neurosurgical brain trauma did not change the permeability of BBB. 2. Anesthesia resulted in increasing permeability of BBB with peak upon 24-48 h. 3. High blood levels of neurospecific proteins proved protein synthesis in glial cells. 4. Massive transferring of brain antigens into blood did not stimulate antibody synthesis during a period of 21 d. According to the high blood levels of neural proteins, the antigen-antibody reaction took place in blood and autoimmune complexes were eliminated before penetration into the brain. A new mechanism of brain autoimmune safety is discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anesthesia
  • Antibody Formation / physiology
  • Antigen-Antibody Reactions / physiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / drug effects
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / physiology*
  • Brain / surgery*
  • Brain Injuries / surgery
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / blood
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Neuroglia / metabolism
  • Postoperative Period

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins