Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells (BMEC)

The microvascular and lymphatic capillaries are composed of a single layer of endothelial cells. Brain micro vascular endothelial cell is the main component of the blood brain barrier, which can by selective bidirectional trans membrane transport system and cell is closely connected to the brain tissue and the loop body separated, restricted protein and most of the molecules into the brain.

Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC) exist many cell tight junction, resulting in very high trans endothelial impedance and delay the paracellular flux; lack of endothelial cell fenestrae structure; asymmetric localization of the enzyme and carrier mediated transport system, resulting in "polarization". The expression of cell adhesion molecules on the surface of the brain microvascular endothelial cells is the same as that of the peripheral endothelial cells. Brain microvascular endothelial cells cultured in vitro have been widely used in the study of the molecular and cellular characteristics of the blood brain barrier.