Hi Frederic, I could give you a very long answer to this question! The are no perfect models, but some are certainly better than others. I'd definitely use primary cells, every cell line is much leakier, and some commonly used lines aren't even endothelial but are epithelial. What primary cell species you go for is down to you and what experiments you need to do, whether you want to translate them to in vivo models and what sort of throughput you need. Good models exist for rat, mouse, bovine and porcine. We've recently published an optimised rat protocol, see my profile for details if you're interested. Bear in mind, even a good "tight" in vitro barrier will be much leakier then in vivo. Drop me a line if you've other questions! Marc

Ok thanks Marc for your answer, i'll look for primary cells that express MDR/p-Gp. Deli et al (2005) have published a good review..."Permeability Studies on In Vitro Blood–Brain Barrier Models". I'll also have a look on your rat protocol.

Hi Frédéric,

If you are still looking for an in vitro BBB model. Feel free to contact me ([email protected]).

My lab located in Lens, France is specialized in in vitro BBB models and we could hopefully help you.

Maxime

Find information at : http://lbhe.univ-artois.fr

Ok merci beaucoup je connais effectivement votre labo (je suis en fin de thèse au LG)

Our company develops 3D cell barrier culture systems for in vitro study of virtually any cell barrier, and the system comes equipped with both a Fluid Perfusion Unit and a Trans-Endothelial/Epithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) Measurement Unit! The use of a vessel-shaped 3D environment has been proven more effective than 2D systems like Transwell (

Article Santaguida S, Janigro D, Hossain M, Oby E, Rapp E, Cucullo L...

), and our advanced TEER Measurement Unit allows for frequency sweeps between 0.1-1,000 Hz, automated time point sampling, logging of data to Excel, and additional measurement of phase angle for cell capacitance calculations! For those that are committed to Transwell use, we also have a TEER Measurement Unit that is compatible with nearly all Transwell products (Endohm cell cup chamber, STX2 "chopstick" electrodes, etc) and allows the user to greatly expand their testing capabilities with Transwell equipment. Additionally, we have smaller modular systems that connect to microscope-friendly cell culture modules: i.e., a miniaturized 3D cell culture system that you can use right under your microscope! If you or anybody on this thread is interested in learning more, I encourage you to visit www.flocel.com or email me at [email protected], thank you!