Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an anatomical gateway that is an essential requisite for maintenance of homeostasis and physiological environment of the central nervous system (CNS). It is a distinctive interface between CNS and peripheral circulation that strictly regulates the entry of specific molecules from circulation or their clearance. The functional unit of BBB is neurovascular unit, which includes specialized endothelial cells, astrocytes, pericytes, and neurons along with extracellular matrix. The tight junction is an intricate complex of transmembrane (junctional adhesion molecule-1, occludin, and claudins) and cytoplasmic (zonula occludens-1 and occludin-2) proteins between the endothelial cells that are responsible for the barrier function of BBB. Specific transporters exist at the BBB for movement of various nutrients, ions, organic anions, and macromolecules. Therefore, alterations in structure and function of BBB in disease can be detrimental to CNS functions.
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