BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is formed by highly specialized endothelial cells that line brain capillaries and transduce signals from the vascular system and from the brain. The structure and function of the BBB is dependent upon the complex interplay between the different cell types (such as the endothelial cells, astrocytes, and pericytes), and the extracellular matrix of the brain and blood flow in the capillaries.