Abstract
Alzheimer's disease involves the complex and interconnected cascade of cellular and molecular events. Only a few treatments are available to slow the course of the disease at present. Recent studies suggest that neurovascular unit serves to maintain cerebral homeostasis, and pathological interactions between components of neurovascular unit lead to cerebral dysfunction. In present study, we established a functional unit trying to target major components of the neurovascular unit by the co-culture of rat cortical parenchymal culture and cerebral microvascular endothelial cells. This entity allowed the application of techniques such as immunofluorescent imaging and biological assays under defined conditions. The morphology of cell types, blood-brain barrier function and neuronal activation were investigated. The insight revealed that targeting components of the neurovascular unit, rather than just the neuron, might be a priority in Alzheimer's disease and more likely to provide cerebroprotection.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 13-21 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Brain Research Bulletin |
Volume | 86 |
Issue number | 1-2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 10 2011 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Alzheimer's disease
- Amyloid β peptide
- Blood-brain barrier
- Cerebral microvascular endothelial cells
- Neurovascular unit
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Neuroscience