Cardoso Filipa Lourenço, Brites Dora, Brito Maria Alexandra
Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
Brain Res Rev. 2010 Sep 24;64(2):328-63. doi: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2010.05.003. Epub 2010 May 26.
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic and complex interface between blood and the central nervous system that strictly controls the exchanges between the blood and brain compartments, therefore playing a key role in brain homeostasis and providing protection against many toxic compounds and pathogens. In this review, the unique properties of brain microvascular endothelial cells and intercellular junctions are examined. The specific interactions between endothelial cells and basement membrane as well as neighboring perivascular pericytes, glial cells and neurons, which altogether constitute the neurovascular unit and play an essential role in both health and function of the central nervous system, are also explored. Some relevant pathways across the endothelium, as well as mechanisms involved in the regulation of BBB permeability, and the emerging role of the BBB as a signaling interface are addressed as well. Furthermore, we summarize some of the experimental approaches that can be used to monitor BBB properties and function in a variety of conditions and have allowed recent advances in BBB knowledge. Elucidation of the molecular anatomy and dynamics of the BBB is an essential step for the development of new strategies directed to maintain or restore BBB integrity and barrier function and ultimately preserve the delicate interstitial brain environment.
血脑屏障（BBB）是血液与中枢神经系统之间动态且复杂的界面，它严格控制着血液与脑区间的物质交换，因此在脑内稳态中发挥关键作用，并为抵御许多有毒化合物和病原体提供保护。在这篇综述中，我们研究了脑微血管内皮细胞和细胞间连接的独特特性。我们还探讨了内皮细胞与基底膜以及相邻血管周围周细胞、神经胶质细胞和神经元之间的特定相互作用，这些细胞共同构成了神经血管单元，对中枢神经系统的健康和功能起着至关重要的作用。文中还阐述了一些穿过内皮的相关途径，以及血脑屏障通透性调节所涉及的机制，以及血脑屏障作为信号界面的新作用。此外，我们总结了一些可用于在各种条件下监测血脑屏障特性和功能的实验方法，这些方法推动了血脑屏障研究的最新进展。阐明血脑屏障的分子结构和动态变化是开发旨在维持或恢复血脑屏障完整性和屏障功能并最终保护脆弱的脑间质环境的新策略的重要一步。
