The blood-brain barrier

The effect of diffusional barriers upon the pharmacology of cells within the central nervous system

“…Although it is clear that a 'blood-brain barrier' exists (Friedemann, 1942;Krogh, 1946;Tschirgi, 1952;Manery, 1954;Bakay, 1956;Dobbing, 1956;Davson, 1957), there is considerable confusion regarding its nature and site. It is possible that the barrier is related to capillary walls (Rodriguez, 1955) although histologically there is nothing to distinguish these capillaries from those elsewhere in the body (Patek, 1944;Woollam & Millen, 1954 (Tschirgi, 1952;Mayer & Bain, 1956) or even the ground substance between nerve cells (Hess, 1953(Hess, , 1955Woollam & Millen, 1954). It is clear, however, that the ground substance is relatively unimportant, because substances unable to pass the blood-brain barrier are quite effective when applied locally within the nervous system.…”

Functions of Astrocytes and their Potential As Therapeutic Targets

“…An involvement of astrocytes in brain pH control mechanisms was first proposed based on a localization of carbonic anhydrase (Car) in astrocytes at the blood brain barrier, involving transport of HCO 3 − linked to acceleration of intra-astrocytic CO 2 hydration 40 . Subsequent studies showed Na + /H + and Cl − /HCO 3 − exchangers and Car activity in primary astrocyte cultures 41–43, and a model of coupled Na + /H + and Cl − /HCO 3 − exchange was proposed to explain astrocytic swelling under pathological conditions.…”

Transport Mechanisms in Certain Blood‐brain Barrier Phenomena‐a Hypothesis

“…(Studies on barrier problems and dye penetration in the brain are reviewed i.e. by Bakay (1956), Broman (1949Broman ( , 1955, Spatz (1933), Tschirgi (1952).…”