Using Evans Blue Dye to Determine Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity in Rodents

Mariana Pereira de Souza Goldim; Amanda Della Giustina; Fabricia Petronilho

doi:10.1002/cpim.83

Using Evans Blue Dye to Determine Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity in Rodents

Curr Protoc Immunol. 2019 Sep;126(1):e83. doi: 10.1002/cpim.83.

Authors

Mariana Pereira de Souza Goldim¹, Amanda Della Giustina¹, Fabricia Petronilho¹

Affiliation

¹ Laboratory of Neurobiology of Inflammatory and Metabolic Processes, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of South Santa Catarina, Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil.

PMID: 31483106
DOI: 10.1002/cpim.83

Abstract

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an active and selective barrier that shields the brain from endogenous and exogenous insults. Different stimuli may lead to the disruption of this barrier, including inflammation and trauma. Several methods are used to evaluate BBB disruption. The most widely used method is Evans blue (EB) dye extravasation. EB cannot normally pass through the BBB and thus its presence in brain tissue indicates alterations in permeability. This protocol details the steps of EB extravasation in rodents. Important aspects regarding critical steps and advantages are also provided. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Keywords: Evans blue; blood-brain barrier; brain.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

Animals
Blood-Brain Barrier / metabolism
Blood-Brain Barrier / pathology*
Brain / metabolism
Brain / pathology*
Brain Injuries, Traumatic / pathology*
Evans Blue / metabolism*
Inflammation / pathology*
Mice
Rats

Substances

Evans Blue