Electrophysiological Measurements of Isolated Blood Vessels

The lumen of blood vessels is covered by endothelial cells, which regulate their permeability to ions and solutes. Endothelial permeability depends on the vascular bed and cell phenotype, and is influenced by different disease states. Most characterization of endothelial permeability has been carried out using isolated cells in culture. While analysis of cultured cells is a valuable approach, it does not account for factors of the native cell environment. Building on Ussing chamber studies of intact tissue specimens, here we describe a method to measure the electrophysiological properties of intact arteriole and venule endothelia, including transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and ion permselectivity. As an example, vessels isolated from the mesentery were treated ex vivo, then mounted in a custom-made tissue cassette that enable their analysis by classical approaches with an Ussing chamber. This method enables a detailed analysis of electrophysiological vessel responses to stresses such as proinflammatory cytokines, in the context of an intact vessel.

Automated summary

The permeability of blood vessels is regulated by endothelial cells. This permeability is influenced by factors such as the type of blood vessel and the specific disease state. Most studies on endothelial permeability have been conducted using isolated cells in culture, which may not accurately reflect the native cell environment. In this study, the authors describe a method that allows for the measurement of endothelial properties in intact blood vessels, providing a more accurate analysis of the response to various stresses in the context of the intact vessel.