Document Detail


What role does the blood brain barrier play in acute mountain sickness?
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20952272     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Process    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
As high altitude travel increases, acute mountain sickness (AMS) and life threatening high altitude cerebral oedema (HACE) are becoming more prevalent. Acute mountain sickness occurs in 45% of lowlanders above 4250 m. Predisposing factors are still unknown and its development is more complex than the original "tight fit" hypothesis. This review examines evidence relating to a possible role of the blood brain barrier in AMS as suggested by MRI studies. Underlying mechanisms may involve vascular endothelial growth factor and free radicals in addition to increases in hydrostatic pressure. An increased understanding is important in advising patients planning high altitude adventures. Current studies have linked increased blood brain barrier permeability to high altitude cerebral oedema, but the role of the blood brain barrier in acute mountain sickness is less clear; varied symptoms include headache. MRI shows vasogenic oedema occurs in high altitude cerebral oedema, suggesting blood brain barrier permeability increases, and acute mountain sickness typically precedes high altitude cerebral oedema. Hypoxia leads to increased hydrostatic pressure, and blood brain barrier permeability has been shown to increase in stroke patients. Vascular endothelial growth factor is upregulated in hypoxia, and may increase blood brain barrier permeability.
Authors:
Alex Baneke
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article     Date:  2010-05-21
Journal Detail:
Title:  Travel medicine and infectious disease     Volume:  8     ISSN:  1873-0442     ISO Abbreviation:  Travel Med Infect Dis     Publication Date:  2010 Jul 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-10-25     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101230758     Medline TA:  Travel Med Infect Dis     Country:  Netherlands    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  257-62     Citation Subset:  IM    
Copyright Information:
Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Affiliation:
University College London Medical School, London, United Kingdom. alexbaneke@yahoo.co.uk
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