Brain Endothelial Research
Laboratory
of Molecular Neurobiology
Brain Endothelial Research
Brain Endothelial Research
|
Brain Endothelial Research |
Laboratory
of Molecular Neurobiology
Brain Endothelial Research |
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a multicellular structure at the interface of circulation and central nervous system (CNS). The morphological basis of the BBB is formed by cerebral endothelial cells ensheating the vessels of the brain. Important role in the formation of the barrier play pericytes, astrocytes and neurons as well.
The barrier
function of the BBB (restriction of the transport from blood to the
brain of potentially toxic or harmful substances) is achieved by the:
-
paracellular barrier
(interendothelial junctions)
-
transcellular barrier (low level of
endocytosis and
transcytosis
-
enzymatic barrier
(acetylcholinesterase,
alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase,
monoamine oxidases, and drug metabolizing enzymes)
-
efflux pumps
The BBB plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of a large number of CNS disorders like stroke, brain trauma, infections and tumors, neurodegenerative diseases.