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Systems Analysis of the Neuroinflammatory and Hemodynamic Response to Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: May 27, 2022
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3D Neurovascular Unit Tissue Model to Assess Responses to Traumatic Brain Injury
Liam Power1,2, Rita Shuhmaher3, Philip Houtz2
1Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A
|October 23, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed a 3D neurovascular unit (NVU) model using human cells. This model mimics traumatic brain injury (TBI) responses, aiding the study of NVU in neurodegenerative diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The neurovascular unit (NVU) is crucial for central nervous system function, linking vascular, glial, and neural tissues.
- NVU disruption is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, but studying it in a physiologically relevant manner is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a 3D cell triculture model of the NVU that recapitulates its complexity.
- To utilize this model for investigating disease mechanisms and cell-cell interactions within the NVU.
Main Methods:
- A 3D triculture system was established using human primary brain microvascular endothelial cells, astrocytes, and pericytes.
- The model was sustained in vitro for several weeks.
- Mechanical damage was applied to emulate traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Main Results:
- The NVU tissue model exhibited increased cell death and inflammatory markers (TNF-α, MCP-2, MCP-3) post-TBI.
- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release indicated cell damage.
- Expression of the tight junction marker ZO-1 was reduced, suggesting barrier disruption.
Conclusions:
- The developed 3D NVU tissue model provides a physiologically relevant platform for studying NVU function.
- This model is valuable for deciphering mechanisms of TBI and associated immune responses within the NVU.
