Effect of γ-irradiation on expression of tight and adherens junction protein mRNA on in vitro blood-brain barrier model

Bull Exp Biol Med. 2014 Nov;158(1):127-36. doi: 10.1007/s10517-014-2708-5. Epub 2014 Nov 19.

Abstract

We studied the effect of γ-irradiation on HUVEC endothelial cells co-cultured with allogeneic astrocytes. This 2D in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier has the same parameters as cerebral microvascular endothelial cells forming the blood-brain barrier and allows reproducing its functions in vivo. Dose-dependent changes in cell morphology and violation of monolayer integrity were observed. Real-time PCR and immunocytochemical analysis revealed changes in the expression of tight (ZO-1, claudin-5) and adherens junction protein (vascular endothelial cadherin, β-catenin) mRNA. Expression of tight and adherens junction proteins mRNA decreased in 2, 24, and 48 h after irradiation in doses of 2, 4, and 6 Gy. Significant dose-dependent changes were found only for β-catenin mRNA expression in 2 h after exposition. This model of blood-brain barrier in vitro can be used for studying the molecular mechanisms regulating permeability of cerebral endothelium under normal conditions and after pathological exposures, e.g. γ-irradiation.

MeSH terms

  • Adherens Junctions / metabolism*
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Claudin-5 / genetics
  • Claudin-5 / metabolism
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Gamma Rays*
  • Gene Expression / radiation effects*
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Tight Junctions / metabolism*
  • Zonula Occludens-1 Protein / genetics
  • Zonula Occludens-1 Protein / metabolism
  • beta Catenin / genetics
  • beta Catenin / metabolism

Substances

  • CLDN5 protein, human
  • CTNNB1 protein, human
  • Claudin-5
  • TJP1 protein, human
  • Zonula Occludens-1 Protein
  • beta Catenin