Researchers detect a diffusion barrier inside fly brain

Optical cross-section through a fly brain. The green colouring indicates the distribution of the extracellular matrix protein 'Trol', which is formed by all enveloping glial cells. The subdivision of the brain into different reaction spaces becomes clear. WWU - Nicole Pogodalla und Christian Klämbt The neurons, located in the brain are interconnected in a complex pattern and establish special communication points, the synapses. All neurons require a constant environment in order to function reliably. To ensure this, the brain is surrounded by the so-called blood-brain barrier. It ensures, for example, that the nutrient balance always remains the same and that harmful influences do not reach the neurons.