Biochemistry of Blood

Brain Barrier (BBB)

Dr. Almaycano Ginting,M.Kes

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 me
metabolic activities such as
the metabolism of L-dopa
L 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

Parkinson’s Disease
Terima kasih