American journal of rhinology & allergy
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Am J Rhinol Allergy · Mar 2015
ReviewThe blood-brain barrier and nasal drug delivery to the central nervous system.
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly efficient system that separates the central nervous system (CNS) from general circulation and promotes selective transport of molecules that are essential for brain function. However, it also limits the distribution of systemically administered therapeutics to the brain; therefore, there is a restricted number of drugs available for the treatment of brain disorders. Several drug-targeting strategies have been developed to attempt to bypass the BBB, but none has proved sufficiently effective in reaching the brain. ⋯ Despite extensive efforts to develop new techniques to cross the BBB, none has proved sufficiently effective in reaching the brain, whereas minimizing adverse effects and the endoscopic mucosal grafting technique offers new potential promise.