Open AccessSynergistic effects of neurons and astrocytes on the differentiation of brain capillary endothelial cells in culture
Author(s) -
Schiera Gabriella,
Bono Epifania,
Raffa Maria Pia,
Gallo Alessia,
Pitarresi Giovanna Laura,
Liegro Italia,
Savettieri G.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of cellular and molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.44
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1582-4934
pISSN - 1582-1838
DOI - 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2003.tb00215.x
Subject(s) - occludin , tight junction , microbiology and biotechnology , blood–brain barrier , paracellular transport , endothelial stem cell , astrocyte , biology , cell culture , vascular permeability , neuron , cell type , chemistry , cell , neuroscience , permeability (electromagnetism) , central nervous system , endocrinology , in vitro , biochemistry , membrane , genetics
Brain capillary endothelial cells form a functional barrier between blood and brain, based on the existence of tight junctions that limit paracellular permeability. Occludin is one of the major transmembrane proteins of tight junctions and its peripheral localization gives indication of tight junction formation. We previously reported that RBE4.B cells (brain capillary endothelial cells), cultured on collagen IV, synthesize occludin and correctly localize it at the cell periphery only when cocultured with neurons. In the present study, we describe a three‐cell type‐culture system that allowed us to analyze the combined effects of neurons and astrocytes on differentiation of brain capillary endothelial cells in culture. In particular, we found that, in the presence of astrocytes, the neuron‐induced synthesis and localization of occludin is precocious as compared to cells cocultured with neurons only.