Transport Mechanisms Across the Blood-Brain Barrier

Based on this knowledge, the concept ofthe neurovascular unit was developed [1]. [Pg.267]

It is a functional unit composed of groups of neurons and their associated astrocytes, interacting with smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells on the microvessels (arterioles) responsible for their blood supply, and capable of regulating the local blood flow. Within this organization, further modular structures can be detected. [Pg.267]

In particular, the proposed gliovascular units, in which individual astrocytic glia support the function of particular neuronal populations and territories, communicate with associated segments of the microvasculature [43, 44]. This novel concept of single functional units over the total BBB structure is in concordance with Ge et al. [45], who summarized many data supporting differences in the expression levels of several BBB markers in arterioles, capillaries, and venules and asked finally where is the blood-brain barrier. .. really [Pg.267]

Transport Mechanisms Across the Blood-Brain Barrier [Pg.267]

To maintain brain homeostasis, the blood-brain barrier selectively transports nutrients into the brain via the expression of a number of surface transporters. [Pg.267]

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