The Blood Brain Barrier, Mechanisms of Cerebral Edema, and the Use of Anti-Inflammatory and other Anti-Edema Agents in Neuro-Oncology

Title: The Blood Brain Barrier, Mechanisms of Cerebral Edema, and the Use of Anti-Inflammatory and other Anti-Edema Agents in Neuro-Oncology

Volume: 9 Issue: 3

Author(s): Nicholas G. Avgeropoulos

Affiliation:

Keywords: Blood brain barrier, cerebrospinal fluid, brain tumor, edema, anti-inflammatory agents

Abstract: Vasogenic edema resultant from malignant brain and spine tumors can impart neurological disability and life threatening compression of the central nervous system. Clinical management of edema requires a working understanding of the blood brain barrier, blood cerebrospinal fluid barrier, and the major mechanisms that tumors utilize to disrupt the normal function of these barriers. Corticosteroids and anti-angiogenic agents allay vasogenic edema and serve as fundamental treatment strategies for brain and spine tumor patients. This section reviews relevant microscopic anatomy, pathologic processes and inflammatory mediators important in the production of vasogenic cerebrospinal edema, and the rationale behind management strategies of edema in this patient population.

Cite this article as:

G. Avgeropoulos Nicholas, The Blood Brain Barrier, Mechanisms of Cerebral Edema, and the Use of Anti-Inflammatory and other Anti-Edema Agents in Neuro-Oncology, Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 2010; 9 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871523011009030221