Anesthesia

Blood Brain Barrier

Blood Brain Barrier

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brain1_0.jpg

-brain capillary endothelial cell structure
-contains tight junctions which prevents passage of substances between endothelial cells
-pinocytotic activity limits the transport of larger sized molecules across endothelial cells

Blood brain barrier reduces movement of the following:

-ions: ex. K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+
-molecules: ex. glucose, amino acids, mannitol
-macromolecules: ex. proteins

Blood brain barrier allows movement of the following:
-lipids
-water
-C02
-02
-volatile anesthetics