In vitro model of the blood-brain barrier

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The blood-brain barrier (BBS) is composed of endothelial cells, pericytes and astrocytes. Ordinary, astrocyte induce strong barrier function of endothelial monolayer. But the effect of astroycte has been still unknown under pericyte influence. We made a new model of the BBB with isolated rat brain endothelial cells, pericytes and astroyctes and checked barrier function of each model. Three different models (A) only endothelial cells, B) with pericytes non-contact, C) with pericytes contact and D) with pericytes and astrocytes) were made 」>y culturing these cells on the Transwell two chamber system and their barrier functions were evaluated with permeability studies. Although the stronger barrier function was observed in an endothelial/pericytic contact model, astrocyte reduced the elevated barrier function of the co-culture model. Each three kinds of cells composing brain microvasculature have their own effects for the BBB and the interaction of all cells may be necessary for induction or maintenace of a functional BBB.