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Mitochondrial content of choroid plexus epithelium
E M Cornford1, J B Varesi, S Hyman
1Department of Neurology, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Experimental Brain Research
|February 12, 1998
Summary
The choroid plexus, a key part of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, has a high mitochondrial content, indicating significant metabolic capacity for brain fluid regulation and ion balance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- The brain is protected by two main barriers: the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier.
- The choroid plexus is the primary site for CSF production and a crucial component of the blood-CSF barrier.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the metabolic capacity of the choroid plexus, a component of the blood-CSF barrier.
- To quantify mitochondrial volume in choroid plexus epithelial cells and compare it to the BBB.
Main Methods:
- Digitized analysis of electron microscopy images to estimate mitochondrial volumes as a percentage of cell cytoplasm.
- Examination of choroid plexus from various primate and non-primate species (vervet, rhesus, squirrel monkeys, baboons, rabbits, rats, mice).
Main Results:
- Choroid plexus epithelium exhibits a high mitochondrial content (12-15%) across multiple species.
- Mitochondrial content in the choroid plexus is slightly higher than previously measured in the blood-brain barrier.
- Apical surface areas of choroid plexus epithelia are significantly increased (7- to 13-fold) compared to basal borders.
Conclusions:
- High mitochondrial density in choroid plexus supports substantial metabolic work for CSF secretion.
- The choroid plexus possesses a significant capacity for maintaining ionic gradients within the central nervous system.
- These findings highlight the choroid plexus's critical role in brain homeostasis through its metabolic capabilities.