Elucidating structural mechanisms of microvascular transport through mathematical modeling

摘要

Our model predictions demonstrate that the basement membrane and the astrocyte foot processes ensheathing the endothelium provide a significant resistance to water and solute transport across the BBB in addition to the tight junction in the interendothelial cleft. They play a pivotal role in maintaining the low permeability of the BBB, especially when the tight junction barrier is compromised. (Acknowledgment: This work was supported by the Andrew Grove Foundation and The CUNY science fellowship.)