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Updated: Jul 30, 2025
Improved Method for the Establishment of an In Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier Model Based on Porcine Brain Endothelial Cells
Published on: September 24, 2017
Se supplementation to an in vitro blood-brain barrier does not affect Cu transfer into the brain
Stefanie Raschke1, Julia Bornhorst2, Tanja Schwerdtle3
1Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany.
Background:
Dyshomeostasis of copper (Cu) accompanied by Cu accumulation in certain brain areas has been associated with neurodegenerative diseases. One proposed toxic mode of action following Cu overload is oxidative stress associated with neuronal damage, whereas Selenium (Se) is assumed to play here a protective role. This study investigates the relationship between adequate Se supplementation and the respective consequences for Cu transfer into the brain applying an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
Methods:
Primary porcine brain capillary endothelial cells (PBCECs) seeded on Transwell® inserts were supplemented with selenite starting at cultivation in both compartments. After apical application of 15 or 50 µM CuSO4, transfer of Cu to the basolateral compartment, the brain facing side, was assessed by ICP-MS/MS.
Results:
Incubation with Cu did not negatively affect the barrier properties, whereas Se had a positive effect. Additionally, Se status improved after selenite supplementation. Transfer of Cu was not affected by selenite supplementation. Under Se-deficient conditions, Cu permeability coefficients decreased with increasing Cu concentrations.
Conclusion:
The results of this study do not indicate that under suboptimal Se supplementation more Cu transfers across the BBB to the brain.
