title: Analysis of endothelial barrier function in vitro.
abstract: Increased microvascular solute permeability underlies many forms of pathophysiological conditions, including inflammation. Endothelial monolayer cultures provide an excellent model system which allows systemic and mechanistic study of endothelial barrier function and paracellular permeability in vitro. The endothelial-specific complexus adherens junction protein VE-cadherin and their intracellular complex form pericellular structures along the cell borders which are critical to regulate endothelial barrier function by controlling pericellular permeability of vasculature. Here, we describe methods for both visualizing and quantifying junctional permeability and barrier changes in endothelial monolayers in vitro.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA. ywang1@lsuhsc.edu
authors.forename: Yuping
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: J Steven
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Alexander
mesh_terms: D022005:Adherens Junctions / Q000502:physiology; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D015820:Cadherins / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D002199:Capillary Permeability / Q000502:physiology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002845:Chromatography / Q000379:methods*; D015194:Diffusion Chambers, Culture; D017097:Electric Impedance; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006735:Horseradish Peroxidase / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D011199:Potentiometry / Q000379:methods*; D014343:Trypan Blue / Q000032:analysis; D000099152:Cadherin 5
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; D015820:Cadherins; D006735:Horseradish Peroxidase; D014343:Trypan Blue; D000099152:Cadherin 5