Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Sensing of Barrier Tissue Disruption with an Organic Electrochemical Transistor
Published on: February 10, 2014
The effect of hyperosmosis on paracellular permeability in Caco-2 cell monolayers
Hitoshi Inokuchi1, Takuto Takei, Katsuyoshi Aikawa
1Oral Liquid Formulation R&D Laboratories, Self Medication Business, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Saitama-shi, Japan. hitoshi.inokuchi@po.rd.taisho.co.jp
Abstract:
The intestinal epithelium is a significant barrier to oral absorption of hydrophilic compounds, and their passage through the intercellular space is restricted by the tight junctions. In this study we found that hyperosmosis is a significant factor altering paracellular transport in Caco-2 cell monolayers. Osmotic regulators, such as sodium chloride, mannitol, and raffinose, decreased transepithelial electrical resistance and enhanced lucifer yellow permeability. The effect of these osmotic regulators on Caco-2 cell monolayers was not likely to be caused by gross cytotoxicity. Although certain amino acids and oligosaccharides have been reported to have specific tight junction-modulating activity, we found that the increased paracellular permeability of Caco-2 monolayers induced by these compounds was at least partly due to the increased osmotic pressure of the test solutions. These findings provide a new potential precaution in the evaluation of paracellular permeability-modulating substances using the Caco-2 cell monolayer system.
Related Concept Videos
Osmosis and Osmotic Pressure of Solutions
Osmosis
Water, like other substances, moves from a high concentration of free water...
Osmosis
Transcellular Transport of Solutes
Capillary Exchange
Tight Junctions

