Blood Brain Barrier

Description

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a separation of circulating blood from the brain extracellular fluid (BECF) in the central nervous system (CNS). It occurs along all capillaries and consists of tight junctions around the capillaries that do not exist in normal circulation. Endothelial cells restrict the diffusion of microscopic objects (e.g. bacteria) and large or hydrophilic molecules into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), while allowing the diffusion of small hydrophobic molecules (O2, CO2, hormones). Cells of the barrier actively transport metabolic products such as glucose across the barrier with specific proteins. This barrier also includes a thick basement membrane and astrocytic endfeet [Source: Wikipedia].

Structure

Changes associated with this tissue

Due to the potentially large amount of high-throughput molecular changes these have been excluded below. You can view the full list of 6 changes through the filter results page.

Physiological (1) View on results page

Permeability increases with age

Molecular (2; 3 in total) View on results page

Changes from high-throughput approaches are excluded but can be viewed on the results page.

efflux pump activity decreases transporter activity decreases