Isolation and Culture of Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells for In Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier Studies

Hector Rosas-Hernandez; Elvis Cuevas; Susan M Lantz; Merle G Paule; Syed F Ali

doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-7571-6_23

Isolation and Culture of Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells for In Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier Studies

Methods Mol Biol. 2018:1727:315-331. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7571-6_23.

Authors

Hector Rosas-Hernandez¹, Elvis Cuevas¹, Susan M Lantz¹, Merle G Paule¹, Syed F Ali²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Neurotoxicology, HFT-132, National Center for Toxicological Research/USFDA, Jefferson, AR, USA.
² Division of Neurotoxicology, HFT-132, National Center for Toxicological Research/USFDA, Jefferson, AR, USA. Syed.Ali@fda.hhs.gov.

PMID: 29222791
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7571-6_23

Abstract

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is essential to maintain the proper microenvironment for brain function. Although formed by different cell types, the endothelial cells (ECs) of the brain microvessels provide the BBB with its selective permeability. To study the BBB in vitro, EC lines as well as primary isolated ECs have been used. In this chapter, we will provide a detailed protocol on how to isolate and culture primary brain microvascular endothelial cells from different species for use as in vitro models of the BBB. When performed properly, this protocol will allow one to obtain a pure culture of brain microvascular endothelial cells with which to analyze the effects of therapeutic and toxic agents on BBB functions.

Keywords: Blood-brain barrier; Brain microvascular endothelial cells; Permeability; Trans-endothelial electrical resistance.

Publication types

Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Animals
Blood-Brain Barrier / physiology
Brain / blood supply*
Brain / cytology
Capillary Permeability
Cell Culture Techniques / methods*
Cell Separation
Endothelial Cells / cytology*
Humans
Microvessels / cytology*
Models, Biological