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Updated: Aug 1, 2026
Improved Method for the Preparation of a Human Cell-based, Contact Model of the Blood-Brain Barrier
Published on: November 13, 2013
Biochemical characteristics of primary and passaged cultures of primate brain microvessel endothelial cells
1Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas Lawrence 66045.
Abstract:
Rhesus macaque monkey brain microvessel endothelial cells (BMECs) were isolated and grown in culture in an effort to establish an appropriate primate in vitro model of the endothelial component of the blood-brain barrier. The presence of Factor VIII antigen, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, lactate dehydrogenase, total protein, and the passive permeability properties was documented for both primary and passaged cultures. Primate BMECs were shown to exhibit similar morphological and biochemical properties described for other BMEC culture systems derived from other species. In addition, the passaged primate BMECs were particularly notable for the changes in enzyme activities and total protein that parallel age-dependent changes in brain capillary endothelia. This study provides further support for the possible application of BMEC culture systems in investigations of blood-brain barrier functions under normal, aging, and diseased conditions.
Insights
Researchers developed a primate in vitro model using rhesus macaque brain microvessel endothelial cells (BMECs). This model mimics the blood-brain barrier and shows promise for studying aging and disease effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is crucial for central nervous system homeostasis.
- Establishing reliable in vitro models of the BBB is essential for research.
- Primate models offer unique advantages for studying human-relevant physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish an in vitro model of the primate blood-brain barrier using rhesus macaque brain microvessel endothelial cells (BMECs).
- To characterize the morphological and biochemical properties of these cultured BMECs.
- To assess the utility of this model for studying BBB functions under various conditions.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and culture of rhesus macaque brain microvessel endothelial cells (BMECs).
- Assessment of BMEC properties including Factor VIII antigen, enzyme activities (alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, lactate dehydrogenase), total protein, and passive permeability.
- Comparison of primary and passaged BMEC cultures.
Main Results:
- Cultured primate BMECs exhibited similar morphological and biochemical characteristics to those reported in other species.
- Enzyme activities and total protein levels in passaged BMECs showed changes that mirrored age-dependent alterations in vivo.
- The established BMEC cultures demonstrated properties consistent with a functional blood-brain barrier model.
Conclusions:
- Primate BMEC cultures provide a valuable in vitro model for studying blood-brain barrier functions.
- This model can be applied to investigate BBB alterations in aging and disease states.
- The findings support the use of BMEC culture systems in preclinical research and drug development.
