The role of the blood–brain barrier in hypertension

Abstract

New Findings: What is the topic of this review? This review highlights the importance of the blood–brain barrier in the context of diseases involving autonomic dysfunction, such as hypertension and heart failure. What advances does it highlight? It highlights the potential role of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leucocytes and angiotensin II in disrupting the blood–brain barrier in cardiovascular diseases. Advances are highlighted in our understanding of neurovascular unit cells, astrocytes and microglia, with a specific emphasis on their pathogenic roles within the brain. The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a crucial barrier that provides both metabolic and physical protection to an immune-privile..