Barrier Function Assay
Barrier Function Assay - Related Videos
10:36
In Vitro Assays to Assess Blood-brain Barrier Mesh-like Vessel Formation and Disruption
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Cited by 6 •
2017
Maintaining blood-brain barrier coverage is key for the homeostasis of the central nervous system. This protocol describes in vitro techniques to delineate the fundamental and pathological processes that modulate blood-brain barrier coverage.
07:18
Oral Gavage in Neonatal Mouse Pups and Functional Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity Using Ussing Chambers
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2026
This article describes: (1) oral gavage delivery of test molecules to neonatal mice as early as DOL 6; and (2) ex vivo evaluation of colonic epithelial barrier function in biopsies from DOL 10 to weaning (DOL 20) pups by assessing paracellular and transcellular permeability with Ussing chambers.
11:41
Assessing Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Species Barriers with an In Vitro Prion Protein Conversion Assay
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2015
Measuring the barrier to the interspecies transmission of prion diseases is challenging and typically involves animal challenges or biochemical assays. Here, we present an in vitro prion protein conversion assay with the ability to predict species barriers.
12:30
Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing for the Quantification of Endothelial Proliferation, Barrier Function, and Motility
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Cited by 213 •
2014
This protocol reviews Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing, a method to record and analyze the impedance spectrum of adherent cells for the quantification of cell attachment, proliferation, motility, and cellular responses to pharmacological and toxic stimuli. Detection of endothelial permeability and assessment of cell-cell and cell-substrate contacts are emphasized.
02:04
Generation of a Human Colonoid Monolayer with Barrier Function to Study Host–Pathogen Interactions
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2026
Source: In, J. G.,et al. Human Colonoid Monolayers to Study Interactions Between Pathogens, Commensals, and Host Intestinal Epithelium. J. Vis. Exp. (2019).This video demonstrates the procedure for culturing colon-derived epithelial cells on a collagen-coated Transwell system to generate a mucus-producing monolayer that models the intestinal barrier and enables host–pathogen interaction studies.
FAQs
Electrical resistance and labeled-tracer passage provide complementary readouts of barrier performance. Resistance measures the electrical behavior of the cellular layer, whereas tracer measurements show whether a labeled substance crosses between compartments. Using either readout, or considering both together, allows researchers to characterize barrier behavior under defined experimental conditions.
Changes in cell junctions are a key mechanistic focus because they can alter permeability across epithelial or endothelial layers. In an assay, researchers can examine how inflammation, pathogens, toxins, or immune mediators affect barrier integrity by comparing measurements under defined conditions. This connects a measurable permeability change with a possible cellular structural response.
The choice of model shapes the biological question. Epithelial layers are relevant to mucosal defense, while endothelial layers support investigation of vascular leakage. Although both can be tested for barrier integrity, their findings provide different immunology and infection contexts, helping researchers relate permeability changes to the tissue interface being studied.
A basic workflow begins by establishing a cellular or tissue layer between two compartments, applying defined experimental conditions, and measuring either electrical resistance or movement of a labeled tracer. Researchers then compare the resulting barrier readout across conditions. This organization allows effects of inflammatory, infectious, toxic, or immune-related challenges to be evaluated systematically.
Researchers can compare defined experimental conditions involving inflammation, pathogens, toxins, or immune mediators. Differences in electrical resistance or labeled-tracer passage can then be assessed across those conditions to determine whether a challenge is associated with altered barrier integrity or permeability. This comparison-based design is useful for connecting a biological stimulus with a measurable barrier response.
In immunology and infection research, these assays support studies of mucosal defense, vascular leakage, and host-pathogen interactions. They also provide a way to evaluate treatments intended to preserve or restore barrier function. The measured outcome is a change in electrical resistance or labeled-tracer passage, interpreted in relation to the tested biological condition.