Partial recovery of the damaged rat blood-brain barrier is mediated by adherens junction complexes, extracellular matrix remodeling and macrophage infiltration following focal astrocyte loss

- Paracellular VE-cadherin and β-catenin maintained in the absence of GFAP-astrocytes.
- Demonstrates a different regulation mechanism for adherens and tight junction protein.
- Extracellular matrix remodeling and inflammatory response following astrocyte loss.
- Size-selective temporary barrier formed in the absence of tight junction proteins.
- Represents a new approach to studying BBB integrity loss in demyelinating disorders.