International Journal of Molecular Sciences (Jun 2019)

The Role of Endothelial Dysfunction in Peripheral Blood Nerve Barrier: Molecular Mechanisms and Pathophysiological Implications

  • Jessica Maiuolo,
  • Micaela Gliozzi,
  • Vincenzo Musolino,
  • Cristina Carresi,
  • Saverio Nucera,
  • Roberta Macrì,
  • Miriam Scicchitano,
  • Francesca Bosco,
  • Federica Scarano,
  • Stefano Ruga,
  • Maria Caterina Zito,
  • Francesca Oppedisano,
  • Rocco Mollace,
  • Sara Paone,
  • Ernesto Palma,
  • Carolina Muscoli,
  • Vincenzo Mollace

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20123022
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 20, no. 12
p. 3022

Abstract

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The exchange of solutes between the blood and the nerve tissue is mediated by specific and high selective barriers in order to ensure the integrity of the different compartments of the nervous system. At peripheral level, this function is maintained by the Blood Nerve Barrier (BNB) that, in the presence, of specific stressor stimuli can be damaged causing the onset of neurodegenerative processes. An essential component of BNB is represented by the endothelial cells surrounding the sub-structures of peripheral nerves and increasing evidence suggests that endothelial dysfunction can be considered a leading cause of the nerve degeneration. The purpose of this review is to highlight the main mechanisms involved in the impairment of endothelial cells in specific diseases associated with peripheral nerve damage, such as diabetic neuropathy, erectile dysfunction and inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

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