Induction of pinocytosis in cerebral vessels by acute hypertension and by hyperosmolar solutions

Abstract

A new approach is described to study the mechanism of protein leakage through the endothelial cells in acute hypertension and after intracarotid infusion of hyperosmolar solutions. The luminal surface of the cerebrovascular endothelial cells was labeled with choleragenoid-peroxidase before the blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction was induced. Numerous pinocytotic vesicles and some trans-endothelial channels were formed and showed labeling of parts of their membranes. Our results indicate that the mechanism behind the protein leakage induced by hypertension and by hyperosmolar solutions is the same – ie, transendothelial pinocytosis.