Glial cells and blood-brain barrier in the human cerebral cortex

• Published in: Italian journal of anatomy and embryology Vol. 100 Suppl 1; p. 177
• Main Authors: Ambrosi, G, Virgintino, D, Benagiano, V, Maiorano, E, Bertossi, M, Roncali, L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Italy 1995
• Subjects: 2',3'-Cyclic-Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases - metabolism; Astrocytes - metabolism; Astrocytes - ultrastructure; Basement Membrane - metabolism; Basement Membrane - ultrastructure; Blood-Brain Barrier - physiology; Cerebral Cortex - metabolism; Cerebral Cortex - ultrastructure; Endothelium, Vascular - metabolism; Endothelium, Vascular - ultrastructure; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein - metabolism; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Microglia - metabolism; Microglia - ultrastructure; Microscopy, Electron; Neuroglia - metabolism; Neuroglia - ultrastructure; Neurons - metabolism; Neurons - ultrastructure; Oligodendroglia - metabolism; Oligodendroglia - ultrastructure; S100 Proteins - metabolism
• ISSN: 1122-6714

The spatial relationship established between glial cells and microvasculature in the human cerebral cortex was analysed on peritumoral tissue of the parietal lobe removed during surgery. Observations performed by light microscope immunocytochemistry demonstrated that processes of astrocytes, strongly immunoreactive to both glial fibrillary acidic protein and S-100 protein, form sheaths to the capillaries, and that isolated cells positive to the oligodendrocyte marker 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase are detectable in perivascular areas. Morphometrical analysis by transmission electron microscopy showed that 80% of the vascular endothelium-pericyte layer is invested by small endfeet of astrocyte processes. This study demonstrates that either astrocyte bodies or oligodendrocytes as well as microgliocytes may substitute the astrocytic endfeet adhering to the capillary basement lamina.