CELLULAR BIOLOGY OF BRAIN MICROVESSELS

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The goals of this proposal are to continue studies of the cellular mechanisms that underlie the complex functions of the brain circulation, and how this circulation is controlled to meet the changing and fastidious requirements of the brain. The endothelial cells of brain microvessels stand at the interface between the systemic circulation and nervous tissue and have a viral role in maintaining a stable environment for neuronal function and in preventing the entry of toxic substances into the brain. To accomplish this, the brain capillary endothelium is endowed with unique features, such as tight intercellular junctions, transporters for essential water-soluble molecules such as glucose and amino acids, and enzyme system that can effectively prevent the entry of some lipid-soluble toxins from blood to brain. The proposed experiments with employ complimentary biochemical, pharmacological, and ultrastructural techniques to study the brain microcirculation in vivo, and in preparations enriched with isolated microvessels, in vitro. The experiments will address the following subjects: (1) Receptors for peptide neurotransmitters and neuromodulators will be assessed in brain macro- and microvessels, and the mechanisms by which these agents mediate their effects will be investiagated. (2) Studies of the biochemical aspects of the blood-brain barrier that related to systemic 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) neurotoxicity. (3) To induce enzymes in brain microvessels that can metabolize MPTP, its analogs and other putative neurotoxins. (4) Synthesis of 18F-labeled MPTP analogs for use in investigating the neurobiology of MPTP toxicity by positron emission tomography. (5) Ultrastructural investigation of heterogenieties in the distribution of the glucose transporter and Na+,K+-ATPase in different brain regions and within the microvascular unit, by immunocytochemical methods. (6) Biochemical cellular and subcellular fractionation studies of brain microvessels. Better understanding of how the brain circulation functions may be prerequisite for appreciating the pathophysiology of this circulation. The proposed research may provide scientific bases for rational therapy of cerebrovascular disorders, metabolic encephalopathies and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's Disease.