Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Small intestinal microparticle uptake via a paracellular route is relevant to oral drug delivery and environmental pollution. In vitro investigation uses latex microparticle passage across a confluent Caco-2 cell epithelium. This paper examines the influence of culture conditions on transepithelial resistance (TER); cell dimensions from confocal microscopy; and number of particles below the epithelium. Variables investigated include level of initial TER; multiple TER measurements; involvement of medium; cell source; and pretreatment with ethanol or a range of temperatures. Data were collected after exposure to 2 microm latex particles for 5-120 min: sham groups were exposed to pretreatment but not particles. The results highlight the importance of very precise control of the experimental environment; confirm the pattern of sequential-TER increase/decrease in groups exposed only to particles and show accompanying increases in cell dimensions. Greater particle uptake was associated with ethanol-induced decreased TER, decreased cell height and increased intercellular spaces, similar to previous findings for external irradiation. Low temperatures raised TER but, despite this, cooling did not alter particle uptake. In conclusion, culture microenvironment and sham treatment are crucial considerations in studies of epithelial microparticle uptake in vitro.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.ijpharm.2009.11.027

Type

Journal article

Journal

Int J Pharm

Publication Date

15/03/2010

Volume

387

Pages

7 - 18

Keywords

Caco-2 Cells, Cell Culture Techniques, Ethanol, Humans, Intestinal Mucosa, Latex, Microscopy, Confocal, Particle Size, Temperature, Time Factors