Hematoencephalic barrier. Ultrastructure and histophysiology of the endothelium capillary of the neuronal nuclei of the mesencephalon.

The ultrastructure of the dorsal periaqueductal nucleus capillaries of the mesencephalon in the cat was studied under the electron microscope in relation to the hematoencephalic barrier, and its four structural levels: 1. Endothelium; 2. Basal membrane; 3, Pericytes; and 4. Glial prolongations. An analysis was performed of what occurs in these four components (in a non-experimental histophysiological state, and without manipulation by markers) in the thinnest capillaries of the centre of the mesencephalic neuronal nucleus. Special attention was placed on the first diffusion barrier formed by the endothelium capillary as the intimate guardian of the Central Nervous System (C.N.S.) neurons. The C.N.S. capillaries are formed from the continuous endothelium, with no fenestrations, and hermetic joining complexes, without pinocytosis vesicles on both sides of the plasmatic membrane (adluminal and external), and surrounded by a continuous basal membrane. The non-fenestrated capillaries of the C.N.S. are less permeable than those with similar characteristics located in other areas. In the C.N.S. these capillaries form a selective physiological barrier which determines the size of the molecules that are permitted to cross the capillary wall. It is suggested that the electron-dense globules found in the endothelium cytoplasm may be molecules assimilated from the blood, which might represent the first level or step to the selective diffusion entrusted to the hematoencephalic barrier. It is also suggested that the elongated electron-dense particles found in the endothelium cytoplasm and basal membrane may be macromolecules which are normally retained for an active defensive function. They would represent the first and second level or steps of the retention performed by the hematoencephalic barrier which blocks their passage to the confined space of the perivascular capillary.