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The blood-brain barrier: cellular basis

R C Janzer1

  • 1Institut Universitaire de Pathologie, Division de Neuropathologie, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease
|January 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

The blood-brain barrier is formed by brain endothelial cells with unique tight junctions and low transport. Surrounding brain tissue, especially astrocytes, induces these properties, crucial for brain protection.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is crucial for protecting the central nervous system.
  • It is morphologically defined by brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) with specialized tight junctions and limited transcytosis.
  • BMECs possess unique transport systems and molecules not found in other endothelial cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the induction and maintenance of BBB properties.
  • To understand the role of astrocytes and other brain microenvironment components in BBB formation and function.
  • To explore the heterogeneity of BBB properties across different brain regions.

Main Methods:

  • Perfusion experiments using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to assess BBB permeability.
  • In vivo studies involving the transplantation of astrocytes into non-neural environments (rat eye chamber, chick chorioallantoic membrane).
  • Analysis of endothelial cell characteristics, including tight junction morphology, vesicular transport rates, and expression of specific molecules.

Main Results:

  • BBB properties are not intrinsic to endothelial cells but are induced by the brain microenvironment.
  • Type I astrocytes can induce angiogenesis and BBB characteristics in non-neural endothelial cells via secreted factors.
  • Astrocytes play a vital role in BBB maintenance, regulation, and repair.
  • Other microenvironmental factors like basement membrane, pericytes, and nerve endings are essential for BBB function.
  • Significant regional heterogeneity exists in BBB properties, reflecting endothelial cell diversity.

Conclusions:

  • The brain microenvironment, particularly astrocytes, is essential for inducing and maintaining the blood-brain barrier.
  • Soluble astrocyte-derived factors mediate the induction of BBB properties in endothelial cells.
  • The BBB is a dynamic entity influenced by complex cellular interactions and exhibits regional variations.

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