Figure 9.

A proposed model of the role of autophagy on protecting the integrity of BBB under hypoxia. Hypoxia treatment in cerebrovascular endothelial cells induces a redistribution of membranous CLDN5 which is further endocytosed by CAV1-composed caveolae, impairing the integrity and permeability of BBB. Meanwhile, endothelial autophagy mediates the clearance of aggregated CLDN5 and CAV1 in the cytosol to reduce cytotoxicity and to block the recycling of CAV1 back to cell membrane, suppressing further redistribution of membranous CLDN5 and preventing BBB from fast disruption. control (CLDN5/LC3B/Nucleus)