Biochemistry of Blood

Brain Barrier (BBB)

Dr. Hidayat

LEARNING OBJECTIVE
To explain :
Blood - Brain Barrier
Blood - CSF Transport
CSF - Brain Transport

BRAIN

CEREBRAL VENTRICLES

4 ventricles in brain (two lateral, third and fourth)

Membrane bound cavities lined with ependymal cells.
Filled with CSF (10mmHg pressure)

CEREBROSPINAL FLUID (CSF)

Composition different to plasma
lower protein
higher Na+ lower K+

Gives protection (mechanical

and chemical)
By circulating it exchanges
nutrients and wastes

Meningeal Membranes and Cerebrospinal Fluid

Three meningeal membranes

Dura mater
Arachnoid mater
Pia mater

Protective function and involved in the production and reabsorption of CSF

Meningeal Membranes and CSF: Brain

Two important cavities (spaces) within the meningeal membranes

Dura mater
Sagittal sinus (Dural sinus)
Arachnoid mater
Subarachnoid space
Pia mater
In addition to CSF in ventricles.
CSF circulates through the subarachnoid space and is reabsorbed into the Sagittal
(Dural) sinus

What is Blood Brain Barrier ?

Not a single barrier but a collection of physical
and physiological barriers that limit the entry of
compounds into the CNS

 Formed by brain microvascular endothelial

cells (BMEC), astrocyte end feet and
pericytes
Essential for normal function of CNS
Regulates passage of molecules in and out
of brain to maintain neural environment.
Responsible for metabolic activities such as
the metabolism of L-dopa to regulate its
concentration in the brain.

Blood Brain Barrier

Brain Capillary

Differences between BMEC and normal

endothelial cells
Structural differences:
Absence of fenestrations
More extensive tight junctions (TJ)
Functional differences:
Impermeable to most substances
Sparse pinocytic vesicular transport
Increased expression of transport and carrier
proteins: receptor mediated endocytosis
No gap junctions, only tight junctions
Limited paracellular and transcellular transport

Tight Junction

Molecul Transport in BBB

Molecul Transport in BBB

Molecul Transport in BBB

CLINICAL CORRELATION
Kernicterus

CLINICAL CORRELATION
Parkinsons Disease

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