Blood Brain Barrier
Blood-Brain Barrier
Figure 2.3 Blood-Brain bappiepB
Figure 2.3 Blood-Brain bappiepB
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the cellular interface between the blood and the central nervous system (CNS; brain and spinal cord) It serves to maintain the interstitial fluid environment to ensure optimal functionality of the neurons. This barrier consists of the capillary endothelial cells with an elaborate network of tight junctions and astrocytic foot processes that abut the endothelium and its basement membrane. The movement of large molecules and other substances (including many drugs) from the blood to the interstitial space of the CNS is restricted by the BBB. CNS endothelial cells also exhibit a low level of pinocytotic activity across the cell, so specific carrier systems for the transport of essential substrates of energy and amino acid metabolism are characteristic of these cells. The astrocytes help transfer important metabolites from the blood to the neurons and also remove excess K+ and neurotransmitters from the interstitial fluid.
Synaptic Transmission: Morphology of Synapses
Average user rating: 5 stars out of 1 votes
Post a comment