Fig. 1.

A schematic diagram of the blood brain barrier. a The endothelial cell of the microvasculature has tight junctions that prevent paracellular movement of solute and water. Thus, it is the true blood brain barrier [14]. (Reproduced from [37], with permission). b In the presence of hypertonicity, the astrocyte cell–cell junction is no longer intact. This will allow a more rapid entry of water into the brain tissue. (Reproduced from [37], with permission)