A quantitative immunocytochemical analysis of total surface area of blood-brain barrier in developing rat brain

A mouse monoclonal antibody which specifically reacts with putative blood-brain barrier (BBB) competent endothelial cells of rat cerebral capillaries was used to identify barrier competent cells in the central nervous system (CNS). The development of the cerebral capillaries and the BBB was examined and quantified, from day 6 to day 40 postpartum, using immunocytochemical and unbiased stereological techniques.