The influence of astrocyte on immortalized endothelial cell:towards an in vitro blood-brain barrier

Objective To investigate the influences of astrocytes on endothelial cell line ECV304 and to establish a convenient and reliable method for research of blood-brain barrier in vitro. Methods After coculturing of ECV304 with astrocytes, transendothelial electrical resistance(TER) of monolayer of ECV304 was determined and the presence of tight junctions between endothelial cells was investigated by electrical microscope. The activity of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured. Results Astrocytes could induce tight junctions between endothelial cells and increase the TER of monolayer of ECV304.The activity of γ-GT and ALP of ECV304 were increased after coculture with astrocyte. Conclusion Some structural and functional characteristics of blood-brain barrier can be induced in ECV304 by astrocytes. The method of coculture between ECV304 and astrocytes can be considered as a useful model for research of blood-brain barrier in vitro.