title: A method for the isolation and culture of rat peripheral nerve vascular endothelial cells.
abstract: In studying autoimmune diseases of the human peripheral nervous system (PNS), in vitro studies involving the use of cultured rat Schwann cells, neurons, and disease-inducing immune system cells have provided basic information about disease pathogenesis. For example, T-cells that induce experimental allergic neuritis have been shown in vitro to damage Schwann cells, the target cell in these diseases. However, before making contact with Schwann cells, these T-cells must first pass through the blood-nerve barrier. Despite the importance of this interaction, no studies employing PNS endothelial cells in coculture with dorsal root ganglia cells to mimic the environment of the blood-nerve barrier have been reported. This paper describes a simple method for the isolation and culture of peripheral nerve vascular endothelial cells from adult rats that should facilitate in vitro studies of the blood-nerve barrier. Endothelial cells were identified by their expression of an endothelial cell marker, Factor VIII/von Willebrand factor. Their identity was further confirmed by their inability to express Thy 1.1, a fibroblast marker, and their in vitro morphology. Purity of endothelial cell cultures was ensured by a regular program of Thy 1.1 complement depletion of fibroblasts.
authors: School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney N.S.W., Australia.
authors: K G
authors: KG
authors: Argall
authors: P J
authors: PJ
authors: Armati
authors: J D
authors: JD
authors: Pollard
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000098:blood supply; D002469:Cell Separation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003584:Cytological Techniques; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005169:Factor VIII / Q000378:metabolism; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000098:blood supply*; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000098:blood supply
chemical_list: D005169:Factor VIII