Morphological and functional characterization of an in vitro blood–brain barrier model

摘要: Cell culture models have been extensively used for studies of blood–brain barrier (BBB) function. However, several in vitro fail to reproduce some, if not most, the physiological and morphological properties situ brain microvascular endothelial cells. We recently developed a dynamic, tridimensional BBB model where cells exposed intraluminal flow form ions proteins following prolonged co-culturing with glia. further characterized this cell determine whether these were due expression phenotype. Endothelial human, bovine or rodent origin used. When co-cultured glia, intraluminally grown features similar vivo cells, including tight junctional contacts at interdigitating processes high transendothelial resistance. This was by an abluminal, ouabain-sensitive Na/K pump, thus favored passage potassium towards lumen while preventing K+ extravasation. Similarly, prevented barrier-impermeant drugs (such as morphine, sucrose mannitol) allowing extraluminal accumulation lipophylic substances such theophylline. Finally, stereo-selective transporters Aspartate revealed tracer studies. conclude that dynamic may become useful tool BBB-function testing drug across monolayer.