Barriers in the brain: a renaissance?

Barrier mechanisms regulate the exchange of molecules between the brain's internal milieu and the rest of the body. Correct functioning of these mechanisms is critical for normal brain activity, maintenance and development. Dysfunctional brain barrier mechanisms contribute to the pathology of neurological conditions, ranging from trauma to neurodegenerative diseases, and provide obstacles for successful delivery of potentially beneficial pharmaceutical agents. Previous decades of research have yielded insufficient understanding for solving brain barrier problems in vivo. However, an awakening of interest and novel approaches are providing insight into these mechanisms in developing and dysfunctional brain, as well as suggesting new approaches to circumventing brain barrier mechanisms to get therapeutic agents into the central nervous system.