PMID: 9648286Jul 2, 1998Paper

Expression of laminin 1 and 2 in brain tumor vessels. An immunohistochemical study

Journal of Submicroscopic Cytology and Pathology
P TotiP Tosi

Abstract

Components of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) include capillary endothelial cells, the vessel basement membrane (BM) and glial cell interface. While endothelial cell peculiarities are well known and thoroughly studied, BM morphology and functional properties are not. Vessel BM throughout the body is composed of laminin 1, the most common variant of laminin, which is made up of alpha 1, beta 1, and gamma 1 laminin chains, while cerebral vessel BM has been reported to also express the alpha 2 chain. In the present study, we show that the BM of newly formed vessels in brain tumors presents the same immunohistochemical structure as normal brain vessel BM, expressing alpha 1, alpha 2, beta 1, and gamma 1 laminin chains. The function of this particular vessel structure in the central nervous system is not yet completely understood; however, we hypothesize that vessel BM could play a role in impeding the extraneural spreading of brain tumors.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Blood Brain Barrier Chips

The blood brain barrier (BBB) is comprised of endothelial cells that regulate the influx and outflux of plasma concentrations. Lab-on-a-chip devices allow scientists to model diseases and mechanisms such as the passage of therapeutic antibodies across the BBB. Discover the latest research on BBB chips here.

Blood Brain Barrier Regulation in Health & Disease

The blood brain barrier is essential in regulating the movement of molecules and substances in and out of the brain. Disruption to the blood brain barrier and changes in permeability allow pathogens and inflammatory molecules to cross the barrier and may play a part in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Here is the latest research in this field.

Blood Brain Barrier

The blood brain barrier is a border that separates blood from cerebrospinal fluid. Discover the latest search on this highly selective semipermeable membrane here.