The role of shear stress in Blood-Brain Barrier endothelial physiology (Extra Credit)

Cucullo, L., Hossain, M., Janigro, D., Marchi, N., & Puvenna, V. (2011). The Role of shear

Stress in Blood-Brain Barrier endothelial physiology. BMC Neuroscience, 12(40).

doi: 10.1186/1471-2202-12-40

Retrieved from Proquest

The Blood-Brain Barrier is the tight junctions between the cells that compose blood vessels in the brain, providing a barrier to the entry of large molecules into the brain. It helps to keep blood borne substances and teterogens from entering the brain. Stress can leave a lasting impact on the brain and its structures. This article discusses the effect of shear stress (SS) on the brain and its cells. SS is a force generated by flow across the ventricular surface of the vascular endothelium. This study used human brain samples and exposed them to SS. Cell cultures, RNA extraction, precipitation, purification, and analysis were performed along with electrical stimulation, glucose and lactation production tests. The results showed that SS caused the junctions of the BBB to tighten. It also helps to produce drug transporters and CYP450 enzymes that control the passage of substances into the brain. SS increased many of the ion channels used in the action potential process. The glucose and Acetyl-CoA transporter families showed the largest increase. These enzymes control the Krebb cycle and glucose metabolism. SS also affects the genes that regulate a cells life cycle and differentiation. SS has been shown to not only increase certain functions of the BBB but it is also an important factor in the structure of the blood-brain barrier (BBB).