Development and Maintenance of the Blood-Brain Barrier

J. M. Herndon, M. E. Tome, T. P. Davis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a specialized vascular structure that serves to restrict the passage of most molecules from the systemic circulation into the CNS. A functional BBB is present shortly after vascularization of the developing embryonic brain and an intact barrier is crucial for proper neuronal function. This barrier is regulated and maintained via inputs from a number of different cell types, including endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, neurons, and microglia, that are collectively known as the neurovascular unit. Disruption or opening of the BBB often proves deleterious and exacerbates CNS disorders such as Alzheimer disease, epilepsy, and stroke. The BBB is critical for CNS homeostasis, but it also presents a significant obstacle for drug delivery to the CNS.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPrimer on Cerebrovascular Diseases
Subtitle of host publicationSecond Edition
PublisherElsevier Inc.
Pages51-56
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9780128030585
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 7 2017

Keywords

  • Angiogenesis
  • Astrocyte
  • BBB
  • CNS
  • Endothelial cell
  • Microglia
  • NVU
  • Neuron
  • Pericyte

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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