The blood-brain barrier and brain drug delivery.
The present report encompasses a thorough review of drug delivery to the brain with a particular focus on using drug carriers such as liposomes and nanoparticles. Challenges in brain drug delivery arise from the presence of one of the strictest barriers in vivo-the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This barrier exists at the level of endothelial cells of brain vasculature and its role is to maintain brain homeostasis. To better understand the principles of brain drug delivery, relevant knowledge of the blood-brain barrier anatomy and physiology is briefly reviewed. Several approaches to overcome the BBB have been reviewed including the use of carrier systems. In addition, strategies to enhance brain drug delivery by specific brain targeting are discussed.
Koziara
J M
JM
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0082, USA.
Lockman
P R
PR
Allen
D D
DD
Mumper
R J
RJ
D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier / Q000378:metabolism*; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000737:chemistry*; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D010599:Pharmacokinetics
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D004337:Drug Carriers