β1 integrin is essential for blood–brain barrier integrity under stable and vascular remodelling conditions; effects differ with age

Abstract

These data demonstrate that β1 integrin plays an essential role in maintaining BBB integrity, both under stable normoxic conditions and during hypoxia-induced vascular remodeling. As β1 integrin blockade had a greater disruptive effect in young brain, effectively shifting the BBB phenotype of young brain towards that of the aged, we speculate that enhancing β1 integrin function at the aged BBB may hold therapeutic potential by reverting the deteriorating BBB phenotype back towards that of the young.