Abstract
The highest level of integrative brain function requires homeostasis and isolation of the internal milieu of the brain. Homeostasis and isolation are accomplished by a constellation of brain capillary wall morphological, biochemical, and physiological mechanisms that constitute the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The ultrastructural basis of the BBB consists of tight interendothelial junctions, the absence of endothelial pores, a paucity of pinocytotic vesicles, and an increased numerical density of endothelial mitochondria. The endothelial membrane is supported by pericytes, basal lamina, and astrocytic end-foot processes.
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Burns, E.M., Kruckeberg, T.W. (1989). The Ultrastructural Basis of Capillary Permeability. In: Battaini, F., Govoni, S., Magnoni, M.S., Trabucchi, M. (eds) Regulatory Mechanisms of Neuron to Vessel Communication in the Brain. NATO ASI Series, vol 33. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-74152-4_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-74152-4_1
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