Introduction
Blood brain barrier is the membrane separating the blood from the cerebrospinal fluid in the nervous system; it is usually found in all capillaries. In this membrane there are cells which restrict the diffusion of external microscopic objects into the central nervous system. This barrier contains highly dense cells which restricts the passage of any foreign substance in the blood system (Langley, 2002). This system is there to prevent any infection of the brain from the bacteria’s and this justifies why brain diseases are very rare and when they occur it becomes very complicated to be treated. Common brain diseases are caused by virus which easily attaches themselves on circulating immune cells. This does not rule out bacteria infections to the brain, since some diseases like treponema pallidum and Lyme are caused by bacteria (Maccagnan, 2007).
Drugs which cross the blood brain barrier
Caffeine is one of these kinds of drugs, this drug is found in; cola drinks, tea and coffee, some of the medications taken can also have this drug. When this drug is consumed the user feels an increased heart rate and the blood pressure goes up. In every consumption of this drug, some of the amounts go to the brain which then causes the blood vessels to narrow. For minors, consumption of this drug in amount of 800 pounds is fatal (Langley, 2002).
When nicotine is used, it directly goes to the brain unlike other drugs, this drug is always found in tobacco. Most people consume the same because it increases attention, memory and concentration. Consumption of this drug inhibits the flow of oxygen in the blood stream thus causing cancer and other diseases. This drug affects the brain by stimulating receptors which are distributed on nerve cells in the brain (Maccagnan, 2007).
Another drug that crosses the blood brain barrier is Ritalin, which is used to treat attention, this drug is mostly prescribed for children under the age of six years, it prevents the brain from being distracted and excess use of this drug can cause negative side effects (Langley, 2002).
Aspirin when used, it directly acts on the brain; it is mostly used to treat pain.
Old age can cause the blood brain barrier to weaken thus increasing the chances of the brain affection. With advance in age the permeability of cell membranes is lost which then decreases the enzyme activity (Maccagnan, 2007).
Coronary Heart Disease
This is the lack of enough oxygen circulating in the cardiac muscle, it is mainly caused by the following:
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Hypertension
The above causes usually make the lumen of the coronary artery to be obstructed hence restricting the flow of oxygen to the myocardium (Daniel, 2007).
Conclusion
The best cure of this problem is to do some physical exercise and quitting smoking. Physical exercise reduces the amount of chorestral in the body thus reducing the chances of the lumen being obstructed (Kolata, 2002). Lack of body exercise can lead to excess glucose in the muscle, which is then stored as fat.To prevent the amount of high density lipoprotein from deteriorating one is bound to do some physical exercise regularly (Daniel, 2007).
References
Daniel, S. (2007). The Cholesterol Wars: the Cholesterol Skeptics vs. the Preponderance of Evidence. Academic Press: Boston.
Kolata, G (2002). “Why Some People Won’t Be Fit Despite Exercise “.New York Times. New York.
Langley, M.S. (2002).Carbonic anhydrase IV on brain capillary endothelial cells: a marker associated with the blood-brain barrier.Harvard University, U.S.A.
Maccagnan, T.J. (2007). Human blood-brain barrier leptin receptor isolated human brain. New York Press, New York.