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The signalling protein ERK5 is essential for maintaining normal endothelial cell function. [28] A further consequence of damage to the endothelium is the release of pathological quantities of von Willebrand factor , which promote platelet aggregation and adhesion to the subendothelium, and thus the formation of potentially fatal thrombi.
The cells of the neurovascular unit also make up the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which plays an important role in maintaining the microenvironment of the brain. [11] In addition to regulating the exit and entrance of blood, the blood–brain barrier also filters toxins that may cause inflammation, injury, and disease. [12]
The blood–brain barrier is formed by special tight junctions between endothelial cells lining brain blood vessels. Blood vessels of all tissues contain this monolayer of endothelial cells, however only brain endothelial cells have tight junctions preventing passive diffusion of most substances into the brain tissue. [1]
Within the brain, the glial limiting membrane is an important constituent of the blood–brain barrier. Experiments using electron-dense markers have discovered that functional components of the blood–brain barrier are the endothelial cells that compose the vessel itself.
The ependyma is made up of ependymal cells called ependymocytes, a type of glial cell. These cells line the ventricles in the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord, which become filled with cerebrospinal fluid. These are nervous tissue cells with simple columnar shape, much like that of some mucosal epithelial cells. [2]
Parietal epithelial cell (PEC) Podocyte; Angioblast → Endothelial cell; Mesangial cell. Intraglomerular; Extraglomerular; Juxtaglomerular cell; Macula densa cell; Stromal cell → Interstitial cell → Telocytes; Kidney proximal tubule brush border cell; Kidney distal tubule cell; Connecting tubule cells; α-intercalated cell; β-intercalated ...
The spinal cord is an extension of the brain. The spinal cord and the brain stem are joined at the base of the cranium at the foramen magnum. Most of the functions of the head and neck are directly influenced by the brain and transmitted to the PNS via the cranial nerves and spinal nerves of the cervical portion of the spine.
The maturation of blood vessels in the brain is a critical process that occurs postnatally. [6] It involves the acquisition of key barrier and contractile properties essential for brain function. During the early postnatal phase, endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) undergo significant molecular and functional changes.