1
|
Spampinato SF, Takeshita Y, Obermeier B. An In Vitro Model of the Blood-Brain Barrier to Study Alzheimer's Disease: The Role of β-Amyloid and Its Influence on PBMC Infiltration. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2492:333-352. [PMID: 35733055 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2289-6_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly specialized structure, constituted by endothelial cells that together with astrocytes and pericytes provide a functional interface between the central nervous system and the periphery. Several pathological conditions may affect its functions, and lately BBB involvement in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease has been demonstrated. Both endothelial cells and astrocytes can be differentially affected during the course of the disease. In vitro BBB models present a powerful tool in evaluating the effects that β-amyloid (Aβ), or other pathogenic stimuli, play on the BBB at cellular level. In vitro BBB models derived from human cell sources are rare and not easily implemented. We generated two conditionally immortalized human cell lines, brain microvascular endothelial cells (TY10), and astrocytes (hAST), that, when co-cultured under appropriate conditions, exhibit BBB-like characteristics. This model allowed us to evaluate the transmigration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) through the in vitro barrier exposed to Aβ and the role played by astrocytes in the modulation of this phenomenon. We describe here the methodology used in our lab to set up our in vitro model of the BBB and to carry out a PBMC transmigration assay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Federica Spampinato
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
- Departement of Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco, Universita' di Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Yukio Takeshita
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hinkel S, Mattern K, Dietzel A, Reichl S, Müller-Goymann CC. Parametric investigation of static and dynamic cell culture conditions and their impact on hCMEC/D3 barrier properties. Int J Pharm 2019; 566:434-444. [PMID: 31163193 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.05.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In brain research, the hCMEC/D3 cell line is widely used for the establishment of a human in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) model. However, its barrier integrity seems to be insufficient for drug permeability studies, represented by rather low transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and high permeability of small molecules. Therefore, this study covers a parametric investigation of static and dynamic cell culture conditions to improve barrier functionality of hCMEC/D3. The effect of basal media was investigated by analyzing changes in proliferation rate, barrier integrity and gene expression of cellular junction proteins. The cells were able to grow in different cell culture media, including serum-free media. However, none of these media enhanced strongly the growth rate or barrier integrity compared to the microvascular endothelial cell growth medium-2 (EGM™-2 MV). Furthermore, hCMEC/D3 cells did not respond positively regarding TEER to any tested parameter neither supplements, coating materials nor co-cultures with the human immortalized astrocyte cell line SVGmm. Furthermore, the impact of dynamic conditions was examined by using the Dynamic Micro Tissue Engineering System (DynaMiTES). Cultivation conditions were successfully adapted to the DynaMiTES design and no negative effect was detected by analyzing cell viability and cell count, albeit TEER remained also unchanged. Consequently, the hCMEC/D3 model has considerable limitations and further improvements or alternative cell lines are required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Hinkel
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institut für Pharmazeutische Technologie, Mendelssohnstraße 1, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany; Technische Universität Braunschweig, Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ), Franz-Liszt-Straße 35a, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - K Mattern
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institut für Mikrotechnik, Alte Salzdahlumer Str. 203, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; Technische Universität Braunschweig, Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ), Franz-Liszt-Straße 35a, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - A Dietzel
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institut für Mikrotechnik, Alte Salzdahlumer Str. 203, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; Technische Universität Braunschweig, Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ), Franz-Liszt-Straße 35a, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - S Reichl
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institut für Pharmazeutische Technologie, Mendelssohnstraße 1, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany; Technische Universität Braunschweig, Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ), Franz-Liszt-Straße 35a, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - C C Müller-Goymann
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institut für Pharmazeutische Technologie, Mendelssohnstraße 1, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany; Technische Universität Braunschweig, Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering (PVZ), Franz-Liszt-Straße 35a, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Andrews AM, Lutton EM, Cannella LA, Reichenbach N, Razmpour R, Seasock MJ, Kaspin SJ, Merkel SF, Langford D, Persidsky Y, Ramirez SH. Characterization of human fetal brain endothelial cells reveals barrier properties suitable for in vitro modeling of the BBB with syngenic co-cultures. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2018; 38:888-903. [PMID: 28534661 PMCID: PMC5987936 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x17708690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) form the basis of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a physical barrier that selectively restricts transport into the brain. In vitro models can provide significant insight into BBB physiology, mechanisms of human disease pathology, toxicology, and drug delivery. Given the limited availability of primary human adult brain microvascular ECs ( aBMVECs), human fetal tissue offers a plausible alternative source for multiple donors and the opportunity to build syngenic tri-cultures from the same host. Previous efforts to culture fetal brain microvascular ECs ( fBMVECs) have not been successful in establishing mature barrier properties. Using optimal gestational age for isolation and flow cytometry cell sorting, we show for the first time that fBMVECs demonstrate mature barrier properties. fBMVECs exhibited similar functional phenotypes when compared to aBMVECs for barrier integrity, endothelial activation, and gene/protein expression of tight junction proteins and transporters. Importantly, we show that tissue used to culture fBMVECs can also be used to generate a syngenic co-culture, creating a microfluidic BBB on a chip. The findings presented provide a means to overcome previous challenges that limited successful barrier formation by fBMVECs. Furthermore, the source is advantageous for autologous reconstitution of the neurovascular unit for next generation in vitro BBB modeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Andrews
- 1 Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,2 The Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Evan M Lutton
- 1 Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lee A Cannella
- 1 Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,2 The Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nancy Reichenbach
- 1 Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Roshanak Razmpour
- 1 Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Matthew J Seasock
- 1 Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven J Kaspin
- 1 Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven F Merkel
- 1 Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,2 The Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dianne Langford
- 3 Department of Neuroscience, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yuri Persidsky
- 1 Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,2 The Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Servio H Ramirez
- 1 Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,2 The Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,4 The Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is located at the brain microvessel level and isolates the brain from the whole body, thus restricting molecule and cell exchanges between cerebral and peripheral compartments. In order to better decipher and understand the BBB physiology and development, and to investigate transport mechanism and toxicity of neuropharmaceuticals, several in vitro BBB models have been developed using animal or human cells, primary or immortalized cells. The aim of this review is to explain to the reader the major criteria required for a pertinent in vitro BBB model and to briefly expose the different models currently available with their characteristics with a special focus on the static models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Gosselet
- Université Artois, EA 2465, laboratoire de la Barrière Hémato-Encéphalique (LBHE), rue Jean Souvraz, SP18, F-62300 Lens, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Le Trionnaire S, Perry A, Szczesny B, Szabo C, Winyard PG, Whatmore JL, Wood ME, Whiteman M. The synthesis and functional evaluation of a mitochondria-targeted hydrogen sulfide donor, (10-oxo-10-(4-(3-thioxo-3H-1,2-dithiol-5-yl)phenoxy)decyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (AP39). MEDCHEMCOMM 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c3md00323j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is observed in many diseases. Targeting H2S generation to mitochondria may be cytoprotective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexis Perry
- Biosciences
- College of Environmental and Life Sciences
- University of Exeter
- Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Bartosz Szczesny
- Department of Anesthesiology
- University of Texas Medical Branch
- Galveston, USA
| | - Csaba Szabo
- Department of Anesthesiology
- University of Texas Medical Branch
- Galveston, USA
| | - Paul G. Winyard
- University of Exeter Medical School
- St. Luke's Campus
- Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | | | - Mark E. Wood
- Biosciences
- College of Environmental and Life Sciences
- University of Exeter
- Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Matthew Whiteman
- University of Exeter Medical School
- St. Luke's Campus
- Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Faria A, Meireles M, Fernandes I, Santos-Buelga C, Gonzalez-Manzano S, Dueñas M, de Freitas V, Mateus N, Calhau C. Flavonoid metabolites transport across a human BBB model. Food Chem 2013; 149:190-6. [PMID: 24295694 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.10.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Revised: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the transmembrane transport of different flavonoids (flavan-3-ols, anthocyanins and flavonols) and some of their metabolites (methylated and conjugated with glucuronic acid) across hCMEC/D3 cells (a blood-brain barrier (BBB) model). Further metabolism of the tested compounds was assayed and their transport modulated in an attempt to elucidate the mechanisms behind this process. The transport across hCMEC/D3 cells was monitored in basolateral media at 1, 3 and 18 h by HPLC-DAD/MS. All the flavonoids and their metabolites were transported across hCMEC/D3 cells in a time-dependent manner. In general, the metabolites showed higher transport efficiency than the native flavonoid. No further biotransformation of the metabolites was found as consequence of cellular metabolism. Anthocyanins and their metabolites crossed this BBB cell model in a lipophilicity-dependent way. Quercetin transport was influenced by phosphatase modulators, suggesting a phosphorylation/dephosphorylation regulation mechanism. Overall, this work suggests that flavonoids are capable of crossing the BBB and reaching the central nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Faria
- Department of Biochemistry (U38-FCT), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; Chemistry Investigation Centre (CIQ), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Weksler B, Romero IA, Couraud PO. The hCMEC/D3 cell line as a model of the human blood brain barrier. Fluids Barriers CNS 2013; 10:16. [PMID: 23531482 PMCID: PMC3623852 DOI: 10.1186/2045-8118-10-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 459] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first attempts in the 1970s to isolate cerebral microvessel endothelial cells (CECs) in order to model the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in vitro, the need for a human BBB model that closely mimics the in vivo phenotype and is reproducible and easy to grow, has been widely recognized by cerebrovascular researchers in both academia and industry. While primary human CECs would ideally be the model of choice, the paucity of available fresh human cerebral tissue makes wide-scale studies impractical. The brain microvascular endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3 represents one such model of the human BBB that can be easily grown and is amenable to cellular and molecular studies on pathological and drug transport mechanisms with relevance to the central nervous system (CNS). Indeed, since the development of this cell line in 2005 over 100 studies on different aspects of cerebral endothelial biology and pharmacology have been published. Here we review the suitability of this cell line as a human BBB model for pathogenic and drug transport studies and we critically consider its advantages and limitations.
Collapse
|
8
|
Weksler B, Romero IA, Couraud PO. The hCMEC/D3 cell line as a model of the human blood brain barrier. Fluids Barriers CNS 2013. [PMID: 23531482 DOI: 10.1186/2045‐8118‐10‐16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first attempts in the 1970s to isolate cerebral microvessel endothelial cells (CECs) in order to model the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in vitro, the need for a human BBB model that closely mimics the in vivo phenotype and is reproducible and easy to grow, has been widely recognized by cerebrovascular researchers in both academia and industry. While primary human CECs would ideally be the model of choice, the paucity of available fresh human cerebral tissue makes wide-scale studies impractical. The brain microvascular endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3 represents one such model of the human BBB that can be easily grown and is amenable to cellular and molecular studies on pathological and drug transport mechanisms with relevance to the central nervous system (CNS). Indeed, since the development of this cell line in 2005 over 100 studies on different aspects of cerebral endothelial biology and pharmacology have been published. Here we review the suitability of this cell line as a human BBB model for pathogenic and drug transport studies and we critically consider its advantages and limitations.
Collapse
|
9
|
Takeshita Y, Ransohoff RM. Inflammatory cell trafficking across the blood-brain barrier: chemokine regulation and in vitro models. Immunol Rev 2012; 248:228-39. [PMID: 22725965 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.2012.01127.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the brain-specific capillary barrier that is critical for preventing toxic substances from entering the central nervous system (CNS). In contrast to vessels of peripheral organs, the BBB limits the exchange of inflammatory cells and mediators under physiological and pathological conditions. Clarifying these limitations and the role of chemokines in regulating the BBB would provide new insights into neuroprotective strategies in neuroinflammatory diseases. Because there is a paucity of in vitro BBB models, however, some mechanistic aspects of transmigration across the BBB still remain largely unknown. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of BBB cellular components, the multistep process of inflammatory cells crossing the BBB, functions of CNS-derived chemokines, and in vitro BBB models for transmigration, with a particular focus on new and recent findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukio Takeshita
- Neuroinflammation Research Center, Department of Neuroscience, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Alterations to blood-brain barrier (BBB) adhesion molecules and junctional integrity during neuroinflammation can promote central nervous system (CNS) pathology. The chemokine CCL2 is elevated during CNS inflammation and is associated with endothelial dysfunction. The effects of CCL2 on endothelial adherens junctions (AJs) have not been defined. We demonstrate that CCL2 transiently induces Src-dependent disruption of human brain microvascular endothelial AJ. β-Catenin is phosphorylated and traffics from the AJ to PECAM-1 (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1), where it is sequestered at the membrane. PECAM-1 is also tyrosine-phosphorylated, an event associated with recruitment of the phosphatase SHP-2 (Src homology 2 domain-containing protein phosphatase) to PECAM-1, β-catenin release from PECAM-1, and reassociation of β-catenin with the AJ. Surface localization of PECAM-1 is increased in response to CCL2. This may enable the endothelium to sustain CCL2-induced alterations in AJ and facilitate recruitment of leukocytes into the CNS. Our novel findings provide a mechanism for CCL2-mediated disruption of endothelial junctions that may contribute to BBB dysfunction and increased leukocyte recruitment in neuroinflammatory diseases.
Collapse
|
11
|
Bernas MJ, Cardoso FL, Daley SK, Weinand ME, Campos AR, Ferreira AJG, Hoying JB, Witte MH, Brites D, Persidsky Y, Ramirez SH, Brito MA. Establishment of primary cultures of human brain microvascular endothelial cells to provide an in vitro cellular model of the blood-brain barrier. Nat Protoc 2010; 5:1265-72. [PMID: 20595955 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2010.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We describe a method for generating primary cultures of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVECs). HBMVECs are derived from microvessels isolated from temporal tissue removed during operative treatment of epilepsy. The tissue is mechanically fragmented and size filtered using polyester meshes. The resulting microvessel fragments are placed onto type I collagen-coated flasks to allow HBMVECs to migrate and proliferate. The overall process takes less than 3 h and does not require specialized equipment or enzymatic processes. HBMVECs are typically cultured for approximately 1 month until confluent. Cultures are highly pure ( approximately 97% endothelial cells; approximately 3% pericytes), are reproducible, and show characteristic brain endothelial markers (von Willebrand factor, glucose transporter-1) and robust expression of tight and adherens junction proteins as well as caveolin-1 and efflux protein P-glycoprotein. Monolayers of HBMVECs show characteristically high transendothelial electric resistance and have proven useful in multiple functional studies for in vitro modeling of the human blood-brain barrier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Bernas
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cardoso FL, Brites D, Brito MA. Looking at the blood-brain barrier: molecular anatomy and possible investigation approaches. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 64:328-63. [PMID: 20685221 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2010.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 389] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2009] [Revised: 05/18/2010] [Accepted: 05/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic and complex interface between blood and the central nervous system that strictly controls the exchanges between the blood and brain compartments, therefore playing a key role in brain homeostasis and providing protection against many toxic compounds and pathogens. In this review, the unique properties of brain microvascular endothelial cells and intercellular junctions are examined. The specific interactions between endothelial cells and basement membrane as well as neighboring perivascular pericytes, glial cells and neurons, which altogether constitute the neurovascular unit and play an essential role in both health and function of the central nervous system, are also explored. Some relevant pathways across the endothelium, as well as mechanisms involved in the regulation of BBB permeability, and the emerging role of the BBB as a signaling interface are addressed as well. Furthermore, we summarize some of the experimental approaches that can be used to monitor BBB properties and function in a variety of conditions and have allowed recent advances in BBB knowledge. Elucidation of the molecular anatomy and dynamics of the BBB is an essential step for the development of new strategies directed to maintain or restore BBB integrity and barrier function and ultimately preserve the delicate interstitial brain environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Lourenço Cardoso
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | |
Collapse
|