Blood-Brain Barrier

3 researchers across 2 institutions

3 Researchers
2 Institutions
0 Grant PIs
0 High Impact

Research in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) area investigates the complex interface between the circulatory system and the central nervous system. Scientists explore the structure and function of the BBB, focusing on how it regulates the passage of molecules into the brain. Studies examine the mechanisms by which the BBB can be compromised by disease, injury, or exposure to toxic substances, and conversely, how it can be leveraged for targeted drug delivery to treat neurological conditions. Methodologies include in vitro BBB models, in vivo animal studies, and advanced imaging techniques to understand molecular transport, cellular interactions, and the impact of various agents on BBB integrity.

This research holds particular relevance for Arkansas in addressing public health challenges and supporting economic development. Understanding BBB function is critical for developing effective treatments for neurological disorders prevalent in the population, including those exacerbated by environmental exposures or aging. Research into neurotoxicology, a focus at the National Center for Toxicological Research, directly informs the safety assessment of chemicals and products relevant to Arkansas industries such as agriculture and manufacturing, protecting worker and public health.

This field draws on expertise in neuroscience, pharmacology, toxicology, and animal modeling. Investigations span multiple institutions across Arkansas, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and contributing to a robust research ecosystem in neurosciences and related health sciences.

AI-generated overview
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Top Researchers

Name Institution h-index Citations Career Stage Badges
Susan M. Lantz NCTR 14 1,051
Nasya M. Sturdivant University of Arkansas 6 158
W. Drew Gill NCTR 1 4
Disease Models, Animal 2 Neuroscience And Neuropharmacology Research 2 Traumatic Brain Injury Research 1 Neurological Disorders And Treatments 1 Animal, Disease Models 1 Neuroscience And Neural Engineering 1 Pharmacological Effects And Toxicity Studies 1 Receptor Mechanisms And Signaling 1 Retrospective Studies 1 Plant And Animal Studies 1 Alzheimer'S Disease Research And Treatments 1 Cellular Mechanics And Interactions 1

Strategic Outlook

Global signals from OpenAlex for this research area: where the field is growing, how concentrated leadership is, and where Arkansas sits relative to the world's top-100 institutions. Descriptive only — surfaced as input to the conversation about where to place bets, not a recommendation. Signal confidence: LOW

Global trajectory
4,963 works in 2026
+3.9% CAGR 2018–2026
Leadership concentration
6.3% held by global top 5 institutions
Fragmented HHI 23
Arkansas position
Arkansas not in global top 100
No AR institution among the top-100 contributors to this topic over the 2018–2026 window.

Top US institutions in this area

  1. 1 Harvard University 2,145
  2. 2 National Institutes of Health 1,527
  3. 3 Johns Hopkins University 1,105
  4. 4 University of California, San Francisco 1,059
  5. 5 University of California, Los Angeles 979
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