Neurology Center

The blood-brain barrier is not a single barrier, but a composite of many systems that act to
control the entry of substances from the blood to the brain:
1. Capillary endothelial cells linked by tight junctions and expressing specialized uptake
systems for particular metabolic substrates (e.g., glucose, amino acids)
2. A prominent basement membrane between endothelia and adjacent cells
3. Pericapillary astrocytes with end-feet adjacent to capillaries
A similar system exists for the choroidal epithelium (blood-cerebrospinal fluid [CSF]
barrier).

1. Enhancement of diagnostic possibilities and treatment options
2. More appropriate selection of diagnostic tests and interpretation of test results
3. Prediction of drug side effects and interactions
4. Selection of optimal drug regimens
5. Aid to critical review of novel concepts and therapies
6. Understanding of the rationale for current clinical trials
7. Provision of a background for communicating information to patients and families