A team of researchers from the Universities of Vienna and Debrecen have studied the mechanism that allows
Scientists conducted a study on six mice.Three of them were orally injected with polystyrene, a plastic used for food packaging, for example. After eating, the animals were euthanized and the researchers collected brain samples. The analysis showed that as early as two hours after eating, microplastic particles were found in the brains of mice.
The blood-brain barrier isa network of blood vessels and tissues that prevents toxins and harmful substances from entering the brain. It is a cellular barrier that allows only water, oxygen, general anesthetics, and carbon dioxide to enter the brain.
The plastic particles must be blocked by thissystem, but, as scientists have shown, rather small nano-sized elements successfully overcame the protection. The analysis showed that the ability of the nanoplastic to pass through the barrier is a complex process. It depends on factors such as the size of the particles, the chemical composition of its surface, and the type of cells with which they interact.
Researchers note that the impactnanoplastics can have a negative impact on the functioning of the nervous system. While more research is being done, it is important to limit exposure and use of such ingredients, they say.
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