Figure 1.

Schematic overview of the structure of the neurovascular unit. The endothelial cells of the brain capillaries are covered (∼30%) with pericytes, embedded in the basement membrane of both endothelial cells and astrocytes. The endothelium and attached pericytes are covered almost completely by a surrounding layer of astrocyte endfeet. Communication between the cell types of the neurovascular unit ensures that the brain endothelium maintains the blood–brain barrier specific phenotype. Modified from Lægemiddelforskning 2015 (http://www.farma.ku.dk/index.php/Laegemiddelforskning-2015/11840/0/).