Age-associated changes in the blood-brain barrier: comparative studies in human and mouse
E F Goodall1, C Wang2, J E Simpson1
1Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology
|April 29, 2017
Summary
Normal brain aging is associated with blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction in both humans and mice. This study reveals age-related changes in BBB integrity, highlighting its role in the aging process.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Vascular Biology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Vascular pathology is often linked to neurodegenerative diseases.
- The study investigates whether vascular changes also occur during normal brain aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize age-associated changes in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in human and mouse models.
- To identify specific markers of BBB dysfunction and associated pathologies in aging brains.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry and Evans blue assays were employed in human and mouse cohorts.
- Analysis focused on tight junction proteins, plasma protein accumulation, and glial markers (astrocytes, microglia).
- Age groups ranged from young adults to old age in humans and included multiple age points in mice.
Main Results:
- Increased tight junction breaks (ZO-1) and GFAP expression were observed with age in mice.
- Human studies showed plasma protein accumulation and astrogliosis, indicative of BBB dysfunction.
- No significant age-associated changes were found in microglial pathology, vascular density, or pericyte coverage.
Conclusions:
- The study provides evidence of blood-brain barrier dysfunction in normal brain aging.
- These findings suggest that BBB integrity is compromised as part of the natural aging process in the brain.
