Astrocyte-endothelial interactions at the blood-brain barrier

TY - JOUR

T1 - Astrocyte-endothelial interactions at the blood-brain barrier

AU - Abbott, N J

AU - Ronnback, L

AU - Hansson, E

PY - 2006/1

Y1 - 2006/1

N2 - The blood - brain barrier, which is formed by the endothelial cells that line cerebral microvessels, has an important role in maintaining a precisely regulated microenvironment for reliable neuronal signalling. At present, there is great interest in the association of brain microvessels, astrocytes and neurons to form functional 'neurovascular units', and recent studies have highlighted the importance of brain endothelial cells in this modular organization. Here, we explore specific interactions between the brain endothelium, astrocytes and neurons that may regulate blood - brain barrier function. An understanding of how these interactions are disturbed in pathological conditions could lead to the development of new protective and restorative therapies

AB - The blood - brain barrier, which is formed by the endothelial cells that line cerebral microvessels, has an important role in maintaining a precisely regulated microenvironment for reliable neuronal signalling. At present, there is great interest in the association of brain microvessels, astrocytes and neurons to form functional 'neurovascular units', and recent studies have highlighted the importance of brain endothelial cells in this modular organization. Here, we explore specific interactions between the brain endothelium, astrocytes and neurons that may regulate blood - brain barrier function. An understanding of how these interactions are disturbed in pathological conditions could lead to the development of new protective and restorative therapies

U2 - 10.1038/nrn1824

DO - 10.1038/nrn1824

M3 - Literature review

VL - 7

SP - 41

EP - 53

JO - NATURE REVIEWS NEUROSCIENCE

JF - NATURE REVIEWS NEUROSCIENCE

IS - 1

ER -