Blood brain barrier (BBB) breakdown leading to cerebral edema occurs in many brain diseases such as trauma, stroke, inflammation, infection, and tumors and is an important factor in the mortality arising from these con- tions. Despite the importance of the BBB in the pathogenesis of these diseases, the molecular mechanisms occurring at the BBB are not completely und- stood. In the last decade a number of molecules have been identified not only in endothelial cells, but also in astrocytes, pericytes, and the perivascular cells that interact with endothelium to maintain cerebral homeostasis....

Opening with components of the neurovascular unit and the blood-cerebrospinal, blood-retinal, and blood-nerve barriers, this book reviews imaging techniques, molecular study methods, and techniques for delivering therapeutic agents across the BBB.

Blood brain barrier (BBB) breakdown leading to cerebral edema occurs in many brain diseases such as trauma, stroke, inflammation, infection, and tumors and is an important factor in the mortality arising from these con- tions. Despite the importance of the BBB in the pathogenesis of these diseases, the molecular mechanisms occurring at the BBB are not completely und- stood. In the last decade a number of molecules have been identified not only in endothelial cells, but also in astrocytes, pericytes, and the perivascular cells that interact with endothelium to maintain cerebral homeostasis....