From neurons to the neuro-glio-vascular unit: Seizures and brain homeostasis in networks

Cresto, Noémie; Janvier, A.; Marchi, Nicola

doi:10.1016/j.neurol.2022.12.005

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 73 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs), astrocytes, pericytes, microglial cells, and neurons participate in the genesis of the BBB and regulate its properties (Figure 1) [3]. The term neurovascular unit (NVU), which was used for the first time in 2002 [4], refers to the set of all the cellular and molecular components that induce and regulate the formation and maintenance of the BBB [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. In other words, even if the basic structural constituents of the BBB are the BCECs, which form tight junctions with each other and lie on a basal lamina, the other surrounding perivascular brain cells, and in particular astrocytes, play a fundamental role in the formation and maintenance of the BBB, both during brain development and in adult life.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Involvement of Astrocytes in the Formation, Maintenance, and Function of the Blood–Brain Barrier

Schiera,

Di Liegro,

Schirò

et al. 2024

Cells

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a fundamental structure that protects the composition of the brain by determining which ions, metabolites, and nutrients are allowed to enter the brain from the blood or to leave it towards the circulation. The BBB is structurally composed of a layer of brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) bound to each other through tight junctions (TJs). However, its development as well as maintenance and properties are controlled by the other brain cells that contact the BCECs: pericytes, glial cells, and even neurons themselves. Astrocytes seem, in particular, to have a very important role in determining and controlling most properties of the BBB. Here, we will focus on these latter cells, since the comprehension of their roles in brain physiology has been continuously expanding, even including the ability to participate in neurotransmission and in complex functions such as learning and memory. Accordingly, pathological conditions that alter astrocytic functions can alter the BBB’s integrity, thus compromising many brain activities. In this review, we will also refer to different kinds of in vitro BBB models used to study the BBB’s properties, evidencing its modifications under pathological conditions.

show abstract