title: Other likely BBB functions possibly related to aging.
abstract: In addition to selectively facilitating transport between blood and brain, the BBB appears to carry out other functions. It probably protects the brain from trophic peptides in blood. It also maintains a different electrolyte concentration in the neuronal environment relative to blood plasma. It also prevents the loss of locally produced neurotransmitters and modulator substances in brain. The cytoplasmic enzymes in brain capillary endothelial cells may also alter molecular structure on route between blood and brain. Any of these functions may be disturbed in the aging brain, but we do not understand them well enough to draw any conclusions as yet.
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000502:physiology; D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier; D002199:Capillary Permeability; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D010455:Peptides / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D006133:Growth Substances; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D010455:Peptides; D010450:Endopeptidases