The blood-brain-barrier is ultrastructurally assembled by a monolayer of brain microvascular
endothelial cells (BMEC) interconnected by a junctional complex of tight and adherens
junctions. Together with other cell-types such as astrocytes or pericytes, they form the
neurovascular unit (NVU), which specifically regulates the interchange of fluids, molecules
and cells between the peripheral blood and the CNS. Through this complex and dynamic
system BMECs are involved in various processes maintaining the homeostasis of the CNS …