Electronic Resource
Palo Alto, Calif.
:
Annual Reviews
Annual Review of Neuroscience
22 (1999), S. 11-28
ISSN:
0147-006X
Source:
Annual Reviews Electronic Back Volume Collection 1932-2001ff
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is formed by brain capillary endothelial cells (ECs). In the late embryonic and early postnatal period, these cells respond to inducing factors found in the brain environment by adopting a set of defined characteristics, including high-electrical-resistance tight junctions. Although the factors have not been identified definitively, a great deal of information about brain ECs has been obtained, especially recently. This review concentrates on a cell biological analysis of the BBB, with an emphasis on regulation of the specialized intercellular junctions. The development of these junctions seems to depend on two primary processes: the appearance of high levels of the tight junction protein occludin and intracellular signaling processes that control the state of phosphorylation of junctional proteins. Recent studies have revealed that the BBB can be modulated in an ongoing way to respond to environmental stimuli.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev.neuro.22.1.11
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