Human fetal astrocytes induce the expression of blood-brain barrier specific proteins by autologous endothelial cells

摘要: The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is involved in many normal regulatory mechanisms as well pathologic conditions of the central nervous system. Previous studies examining development and function BBB vitro have primarily utilized cell lines or cultured tissues from non-human sources. In contrast, this study used a coculture system human fetal astrocytes autologous endothelial cells. Astrocytes cells (EC) were isolated on opposite sides synthetic permeable membrane. cocultures characterized by electron light microscopy for morphology immunocytochemistry cell-type specific markers. Using these conditions, displayed characteristic expressed glial fibrillary acidic protein. When cocultured with astrocytes, retained factor VIII expression BBB-specific proteins, brain-type glucose transporter (GLUT-1) gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. This was dependent EC being close apposition to direct contact astrocytes. model presented may permit further examination role both neurodevelopment neuropathologic conditions.