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.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported in part by an appointment (H.R.-H.) to the Research Participation Program at the National Center for Toxicological Research administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education through an interagency agreement between the US Department of Energy and the US Food and Drug Administration.
Disclaimer The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the US Food and Drug Administration. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
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Rosas-Hernandez, H., Cuevas, E., Lantz, S.M., Paule, M.G., Ali, S.F. (2018). Isolation and Culture of Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells for In Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier Studies. In: Skaper, S. (eds) Neurotrophic Factors. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1727. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-7571-6_23
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-7571-6_23
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