Stem cells used to create critical brain barrier in lab

A group of researchers describes an experiment in which nascent rat neural stem cells were used to prod blood vessel cells to assume properties of the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier is an anatomical feature in humans and other animals that protects the brain from chemicals and other harmful agents, but also limits the ability of clinicians to administer helpful drugs. Demonstrating that developing brain cells can release factors that may coax small blood vessels to exhibit the properties of the blood-brain barrier is important for a number of reasons. First, it forms a basis for understanding the mechanism that provides critical protection for the brain. Second...