Tumour necrosis factor-α affects blood-brain barrier permeability and tight junction-associated occludin in acute liver failure

Abstract

Our results suggest that TNF-alpha plays a critical role in the development of brain oedema in ALF, and that both vasogenic and cytotoxic mechanisms may be involved. Increased BBB permeability may be because of the disruption of TJs, and loss of the TJ-associated protein occludin.