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Glial–endothelial communication in physiology and pathology
Author(s) -
Abbot N. J.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of neurochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.75
H-Index - 229
eISSN - 1471-4159
pISSN - 0022-3042
DOI - 10.1046/j.1471-4159.85.s2.2_2.x
Subject(s) - blood–brain barrier , neuroscience , homeostasis , endothelium , biology , astrocyte , tight junction , microbiology and biotechnology , glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor , neuroglia , endothelial stem cell , central nervous system , neurotrophic factors , in vitro , receptor , endocrinology , biochemistry
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is formed by the endothelial cells of cerebral microvessels; it protects the brain from circulating neuroactive agents, and contributes to CNS homeostasis. The BBB phenotype develops under the influence of associated brain cells, especially astrocytic glia; it consists of complex tight junctions (physical barrier), and specific transport and enzyme systems which regulate molecular traffic. Candidate molecules for inductive signals include TGFb, GDNF, bFGF, IL‐6 and steroids. Endothelial factors (LIF) may induce glial differentiation; thus endothelium and astrocytes are involved in two‐way inductive communication. In addition, astrocytes and other cells can release chemical factors that modulate endothelial permeability over a time‐scale of seconds to minutes. This talk will focus on the mechanisms involved in glial:endothelial communication, the role in normal physiology, and disturbances of glial:endothelial communication in pathology. Abbott N. J. (2002) J. Anat. 200 , 629–638.