Are astrocytes essential for blood–brain barrier health?

Contradictory studies have been published surrounding the role of astrocytes in blood–brain barrier (BBB) health. Some have reported that there are no indications of harm to the BBB when removing astrocytes in animal models. On the other hand, a recent study conducted in mice has indicated that astrocytes are essential for BBB health. The study, which has been conducted in mice and published in the journal GLIA, reassessed traditional claims about the role of astrocytes in the brain and confirms the long-held assumption that astrocytes support the BBB. “I would read a review article that would say astrocytes maintain the...