Multiple sclerosis: Impact on functioning of the blood-brain barrier

Abstract

Proper function of the neurovasculature is required for optimal brain function and preventing neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. During a large number of neurological disorders, dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an apparent feature and may significantly contribute to disease progression. In particular, during the neuroinflammatory disorder multiple sclerosis (MS), the function of the BBB is severely hampered and immune cells gain access into the brain, causing neurological deficits. Consequently, transport of compounds, including drugs, may be altered under disease condition. Within this chapter, we will discuss alterations of the function of the BBB and its consequences in the neuroinflammatory disorder multiple sclerosis.