A Model of Blood-brain Barrier In Vitro

Aim:To establish an in vitro model of blood-brain barrier (BBB) and examine its biological functions.Methods:Type-1 astrocytes and brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC) respectively were seeded on the two opposite surface of Transwell polyeste membrane,which coated with rat tail collagen. And then this model was further examined its biological functions. Enzyme activity of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) and amount of the paracellar transport marker FLU and 125Ⅰ-BSA were determined. Results:Co-cultured BMEC showed characteristic morphology of endothelial cells. The specific activity of γ-GT levels increased after coculturing. The marker FLU and 125Ⅰ-BSA across the BBB model in vitro is restricted.Conclusion:This system we established sustained the morphological and enzymatic characteristics of BBB in vivo. This model restricted paracellar marker through BBB. Taken together, this in vitro system is a great tool for studying transendothelial transport through BBB and the further characterization of BBB.