There have been reports that caffeine reduces the risk of getting PD. Now, it has been reported that caffeine has a positive effect on on the BBB. Just another point linking the permeability of the BBB to PD, to add to the list.
The report on caffeine (UK Daily Mail, 29th June 2010, p.50), also reports cholesterol causes leaks in the BBB, but chronic ingestion of caffeine protects the BBB from cholesterol induced leakage.
How many of us have high cholesterol, and don't drink copious amounts of coffee?
Ron

I'm still on a learning curve on them, but problems with ion channels have been getting my attention. See the related thread below. Here is a quote from an autism oriented site but it still applies.


http://www.autismcalciumchannelopath...n_Barrier.html

"In relation to increased water content in the brain (brain edema), one critical event in its development is breakdown of tight endothelial junctions which make up the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which allows fluid to penetrate into brain. Calcium plays a major role in endothelial junctions, whose function is necessary for the barrier characteristics of cerebral microvessels. G-proteins and several calcium linked proteins and enzymes also seem to be closely involved in junction formation and maintenance [12053015, 1920385]. Calcium ions could therefore alter BBB junction integrity through various signalling cascades, as well as through direct interaction with junction proteins. Regulation of extracellular and intracellular calcium levels seems to be critical in the normal functioning of the BBB."