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Ascorbic acid stimulates barrier function of cultured endothelial cell monolayer
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Japan.
Journal of Cellular Physiology
|May 1, 1995
Summary
L-ascorbic acid (Asc Acid) enhances endothelial barrier function by increasing collagen synthesis. This study demonstrates Asc Acid
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Endothelial cells form a critical barrier regulating macromolecular transport.
- Maintaining endothelial barrier integrity is crucial for vascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of L-ascorbic acid (Asc Acid) on endothelial cell permeability.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which Asc Acid influences endothelial barrier function.
Main Methods:
- Cultured endothelial cell monolayers (bovine aortic, bovine venous, human umbilical vein) were treated with Asc Acid and its derivatives.
- Collagen synthesis was assessed, and the effects of collagen synthesis inhibitors were evaluated.
- Macromolecular permeability was measured using permeability coefficients.
Main Results:
- Asc Acid and L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (Asc 2-P) significantly decreased endothelial monolayer permeability.
- Asc Acid treatment led to a sixfold increase in endothelial cell collagen synthesis.
- Inhibitors of collagen synthesis attenuated the permeability-reducing effects of Asc 2-P.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial barrier function is stimulated by Asc Acid through enhanced collagen synthesis.
- Asc Acid plays a vital role in maintaining endothelial integrity.
- Targeting collagen synthesis may offer therapeutic strategies for vascular barrier dysfunction.