Ron,

You do not have to list citations; we all know you are quite knowledgable all things BBB. However, I don't have a scientific background. Do you think you might elaborate?

How does widening of the BBB and resulting permeability of tight junctions result in symptoms of PD?? Please forgive if you have posted before...maybe you could give us a little refresher on how they relate?

Thanks!

Laura

Hi Laura,
When the BBB widens, it allows toxins (which normally circulate harmlessly in the blood stream,) to enter the brain and cause destruction on neurons. Whilst dopamine can't pass a healthy BBB, if the permeability of the BBB is increased, Dopamine could leak out of the brain and into the bloodstream. A sudden stress causes an increase in permeability, and could allow a loss of dopamine through the BBB, causing a freeze, as the PWP loses his already low stock of dopamine. The BBB becomes more permeable with increasing age, which explains why PD is mainly an old persons disease.
Two properties of a molexcule decide whether the substance can cross a healthy BBB or not.
!. Larger molecules are unable to cross.
2. Moleculrs which have a low fat solubility are unable to cross.

Probably the best way to understand is to read the paper I got published on the MJF site.

http://www.pdonlineresearch.org/resp...ain-barrier-pd

See also.
http://www.pdonlineresearch.org/resp...estions-remain

Best wishes
Ron