The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a barrier system separating the central nervous system from blood circulation. Connections between cells within the BBB involve specialized endothelial tight junction (TJ) proteins. BBB damage is strongly associated with numerous pathological changes in epilepsy. Endothelial cells and their TJs play a pivotal role in maintaining the BBB integrity. Astrocytes cannot directly contact endothelial cells, but the glymphatic system represents a new model to explain their relationship in epilepsy development. Leakage of albumin caused by BBB damage is a pivotal factor leading to the disruption of gap junction (GJ) function and structural abnormalities in astrocytes. Exposure to albumin from the circulation is one of the key factors in comprehending the subsequent proepileptic alterations in astrocytes resulting from BBB disruption. In addition, the imaging assessment methods used for BBB damage are discussed.
This review summarizes the association between the disruption of the BBB and the activation of astrocytes in epilepsy via alternation of GJs, highlights the role of albumin exposure in proepileptic changes in astrocytes following BBB disruption, emphasizing the connection between BBB damage and astrocyte activation in epilepsy. Albumin leakage, BBB damage, and astrocyte activation collectively influence and promote the progression and onset of epilepsy. Assessing BBB damage through imaging techniques may serve as a method to evaluate the patient's condition.
Medicine Plus