Which of the following statements is false regarding the blood-brain barrier? A)

Question

Which of the following statements is false regarding the blood-brain barrier?

A) The walls of the capillaries supplying the brain have tight fitting cells making it difficult for polar drugs to leave the capillaries.

B) The capillaries in the brain have a fatty coating making it more difficult for drugs to enter the brain.

C) The walls of the capillaries supplying the brain are made up of several layers of cells which act as a barrier to the release of drugs.

D) Hydrophobic drugs pass through the blood brain barrier more easily then hydrophilic drugs.

Explanation / Answer

c) The walls of the capillaries supplying the brain are made up of several layers of cells, which act as a barrier to the release of drugs.

Explanation:

The cells making up the walls of capillaries supplying the brain are only one cell thick, but the cells are more tightly packed than those supplying other parts of the body. As a result, drugs have to cross cell membranes to depart the blood vessels and enter the brain. There is also a fatty coating which surrounds the blood vessels and acts as a further barrier. This fatty coating is not part of the capillary wall.

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