Blood Brain Barrier and Neuron Metabolism

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the Blood Brain Barrier, its significance, and the metabolic processes of vertebrate neurons.

Blood Brain Barrier

A barrier discovered by Paul Ehrlich around 1900 that separates the circulatory system from the brain.

Selectively Permeable

A property of the Blood Brain Barrier allowing only certain substances to cross, such as O2, CO2, and small uncharged fat-soluble molecules.

Energy Dependent Active Transport

Mechanisms that allow glucose and some large amino acids to cross the Blood Brain Barrier.

Circumventricular organs

Structures in the brain that allow communication between the brain and the bloodstream.

Neurotrophic factors

Proteins that support the growth, survival, and differentiation of neurons, relevant in conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

Korsakoff’s syndrome

A neurological disorder associated with thiamine deficiency affecting glucose utilization in the brain.

Glucose and Metabolism

Neurons primarily use glucose in metabolic pathways with O2; glucose is derived from diet and conversion of other fuels.

PET Scan

A method to measure glucose as indices of brain activity.