The blood brain barrier is a protective seal formed by brain capillary cells joined by tight junctions, supported by astrocyte foot processes and pericytes. It tightly controls what passes from the blood into brain tissue.
| Location | Capillaries throughout the brain and spinal cord, except in the circumventricular organs |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Connections |
|
| Blood Supply | All brain capillaries |
Shields neurons from toxins, microbes and blood chemical swings while transporting glucose, amino acids and other needed molecules.
The barrier blocks many medicines, which makes treating brain infections and tumours hard. It breaks down in stroke, multiple sclerosis, meningitis and tumours, letting contrast dye leak on scans. Some drugs are designed to cross it, while others are designed not to, to avoid side effects.
Swelling of the brain when barrier breakdown lets fluid leak into tissue.
Inflammation that disrupts the barrier and lets immune cells attack myelin.
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