BBB (Blood-Brain Barrier)

MSG (monosodium glutamate)

A common food additive that is used to intensify and enhance the flavor of savory dishes. Has been known to cause neurological damage in mice, but usually won't to humans because of the BBB.

Phagocytes

A type of cell within the body that completely engulfs harmful bacteria, parasites, and dead cells, and then kills them. These cells sometimes have a receptor for harmful organisms, which divides them into the "professional" division, whereas phagocytes without are known as "non-professional."

Microglia

Act as phagocytes, eating damaged cells and bacteria, act as the brain's immune system. Generally not considered part of the BBB, but they act as a layer of defense.

BBB

Blood-brain barrier. A composed structure within the brain's labyrinth of vasculature.

Endothelial cells

Cells held together by tight junctions and desmosomes to form a physical barrier. These junctions maintain the permeability of the vessel.

Leukotrienes

Chemical substances that contribute to anaphylaxis; released by the immune system in allergic reactions. AKA "the enemy of the immune system." Can cause the tightening of the airway and production of excess music and fluid.

Astrocytes

Contribute the the structural integrity of the BBB. Also recruit peripheral cells, like white blood cells into the CNS.

Desmosomes

Intercellular junctions that provide strong adhesion between cells.

Pericytes

Located under the endothelial cells; they have smooth muscle, so when they contract, there is room for fluid to leak from the vessel; Leukotrienes contract pericytes to cause increased vessel permeability (LTC4, LTD4, LTE4). They also sense, engulf, and destroy potentially harmful blood-derived microorganisms near the brain.

Phagocytosis

Process in which extensions of cytoplasm from phagocytes surround and engulf large particles and take them into the cell. The phagocytes then use an array of killing mechanisms to dispose of the harmful microorganisms.

Peripheral cells

The cellular components of blood. Includes RBC, WBC, and platelets.