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Development of an in vitro model for premature neonatal skin: biophysical characterization using transepidermal water loss.

The objective was to develop an in vitro model for the developing skin of the premature neonate. Barriers of different levels of efficiency were produced by differentially tape-stripping the stratum corneum (SC) from the skin of excised porcine ears, and were characterized by measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL). In this way, it was possible to express the recorded TEWL as a function of percentage SC thickness (F) generating the following relationship: TEWL = 2.7 + 41.exp [- 0.028.F]. These data were then compared to previously published in vivo measurements of TEWL obtained from a population of premature neonates at various post-conceptional ages (PCA). The latter conformed to a remarkably parallel relationship to that found in vitro with the porcine skin model, namely TEWL = 3.3 + 41.exp [-0.026.(PCA-160)]. It can be suggested, therefore, that the empirically adjusted PCA (i.e., PCA-160) correlates closely with the developing thickness of the neonate's SC. The corollary is that porcine skin, in vitro, tape-stripped to a particular level, can provide a barrier corresponding to a specific degree of neonate maturation and can serve, hence, as a useful tool with which to explore whether transdermal drug delivery in this unique patient population may be beneficial.

Animals↗

In vitro models to evaluate acute and chronic injury to the heart and vascular systems.

Multiple in vitro model systems are currently available to evaluate structure and function relationships in the cardiovascular system as well as the system's response to injury. As the level of molecular sophistication continues to advance, so does the level of complexity of the analysis. One of the most daunting tasks faced by researchers interested in studying cardiovascular function and injury is the selection of the system or systems best suited to answer the particular question at hand. In order to successfully apply any given model system, the researcher must recognize the advantages and limitations in the system of choice. This review provides a listing of the historical and modern techniques used to study cardiovascular function and chemically-induced toxicity. With the growing number of new pharmaceuticals discovered each year, it is imperative to use experimental model systems that allow for identification of targets that participate in or mediate adverse outcomes. Clearly, in vitro analysis cannot replace in vivo experimentation, but the methods currently available allow for a reduction in the number of animals used for experimentation and a better understanding of the complexity associated with the injury response.

Animals↗

An in vitro model for chemical extraction of carbon dioxide via modified peritoneal dialysis.

An in vitro model of a new method for paracorporeal removal of CO2, consisting of modified peritoneal dialysis combined with chemical extraction of predominantly bicarbonate CO2, is presented. The peritoneal cavity was simulated by a bubble oxygenator into which 10% CO2 was diffused. Bicarbonate was initially added, but subsequently regenerated by the system. An insoluble chemical (barium hydroxide lime) was used to precipitate the bicarbonate and produce OH- ions, which prevent the acidosis anticipated with the loss of bicarbonate. CO2 removal was computed from the gas flow rate and CO2 concentration as measured with an infrared analyzer. The rate of CO2 removal was found to be a directly linear function of dialysate flow rate, gas flow rate, and concentration of bicarbonate. The model removed 60 ml/min of CO2, but it is capable of removing more, since the variables affecting CO2 removal are controllable by the observer. This new method can extract bicarbonate CO2 without causing depletion of bicarbonate or requiring an infusion of alkali. It is potentially useful in management of hypercapnic respiratory failure and as an adjunct to "apneic oxygenation" in respiratory distress syndrome.

Bicarbonates↗

Note: inhibition of the growth of Yersinia enterocolitica O:3 by the microflora of porcine caecum and ileum in an in vitro model.

The growth of Yersinia enterocolitica O:3 was tested in an in vitro model of the porcine intestine at the physiological temperature of 39 degrees C of growing pigs. The model supported a stable population of Y. enterocolitica at a level 10(8)-10(9) cells ml-1. Plasmid profile analysis and the Ca(2+)-dependent proportion of the population suggested that the great majority of the Y. enterocolitica population retained the 70 kb virulence plasmid, pYV, throughout the experimental period of 5 d. The growth of Y. enterocolitica was substantially inhibited by the ileal and the caecal flora compared to the growth of the bacterium alone. Yersinia enterocolitica was not isolated after 3 d of cultivation.

Animals↗

Induction of deletion and insertion mutations by 9-aminoacridine. An in vitro model.

The ability of 9-aminoacridine to induce mutagenic lesions during DNA replication in vitro was investigated. The ampicillinase gene of pBR322 was replicated in vitro in the presence of 9-aminoacridine. Transfection of the replicated DNA into Escherichia coli gave Amps mutants. Determination of the base changes in 76 of these mutants indicated that the spectrum of mutations induced by 9-aminoacridine was consistent with its action in vivo. Both large (407-base) and small (1- and 2-base) deletions were induced at repetitive sequences. The frequency of deletion mutations depended on the identity of the base deleted and sequences surrounding the deletions. The characteristics of the frameshift mutations induced were consistent with the interactions of 9-aminoacridine with DNA. These results establish that 9-aminoacridine can induce frameshift mutations during the replication process and provide an in vitro model of frameshift induction for mechanistic studies.

Aminacrine↗

Perfused transcapillary smooth muscle and endothelial cell co-culture--a novel in vitro model.

As most in vitro endothelial cell (EC)-vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) co-culture studies have been performed utilizing static culture conditions, none have successfully mimicked the physical environment of these cells in vivo. EC covering the inner surface of blood vessels are continuously exposed to a hemodynamically imposed mechanical stress resulting from the flow of blood, while SMC are affected by pressure, a flow-related force acting perpendicular to the surface. We have developed a perfused transcapillary co-culture system that permits the chronic exposure of EC and SMC to physiological shear stresses and pressures. SMC and EC co-cultures were successfully established and maintained in long-term culture (7 wk) on an enclosed perfused bundle of semipermeable polypropylene capillaries. By altering flow rate and/or viscosity, shear stresses of 0.07-20 dyn/cm2 can be readily achieved in this system. Electron microscopic analysis revealed that SMC formed multilayers around the outside of the capillaries, whereas EC, subjected to 3 dyn/cm2 shear stress, formed an intact closely adherent monolayer lining the capillary lumen. EC and SMC exhibited characteristic ultrastructural and gross morphology. EC were separated from SMC by the capillary wall (pore size 0.5 microns, width 150 microM) and while no direct cell-cell contact was evident some cells were seen to migrate into the capillary wall. Both EC and SMC are exposed to the same culture medium, allowing the interaction of substances released in both directions. Yet separate populations of cells are maintained and can be individually harvested for further analysis. This co-culture system that mimics the architecture and physical environment of the vessel wall should have many potential applications in vascular biology.

Animals↗

Sperm binding to epithelial oviduct explants in bulls with different nonreturn rates investigated with a new in vitro model.

A new in vitro method was developed for analyzing the capacity of sperm to bind to oviductal epithelium to determine whether this binding capacity could be used to predict nonreturn rates (NRR). Sperm binding was evaluated by counting 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolyl-carbocyanine iodide (JC-1)-labeled spermatozoa attached to oviductal epithelium and by measuring the surface area of the oviduct explants by means of an image analysis program. Hepes + Tyrode albumin lactate pyruvate (TALP) was a more useful medium than in vitro fertilization (IVF)-TALP, TCM-199 medium + 10% fetal calf serum, and TCM-199 medium alone for the investigation of sperm binding to oviductal explants. Oviduct explants with a surface area of < 20 000 micro m(2) provided more consistent results than did explants with a surface area of >100 000 micro m(2). A positive association was found between the log(e) transformed number of spermatozoa bound to 0.1 mm(2) oviductal epithelium and the NRR of the respective sires after 24 h of coincubation, provided that the membrane integrity of the sperm sample was >60%. Determination of the capacity of sperm to bind to oviductal explants could become a reliable in vitro method for predicting the NRR of a given sire.

Animals↗

An in vitro model for the study of taste papillae morphogenesis using branchial arch explants.

It is generally accepted that innervation is required for the maintenance of taste papillae and taste buds, but it is not entirely clear what role, if any, innervation plays in papillae and taste bud formation. Events in taste papillae formation and differentiation take place almost entirely in utero and, therefore, the study of the role of innervation in these events requires a suitable in vitro model. In the past, investigators have made use of various culture techniques to study mammalian taste papillae development in vitro and the role of innervation in this process with varying success. All of these models examined papillae development in isolated tongue or tongue fragments and have lacked the ability to manipulate the innervation of developing taste papillae in these explants. We have established a protocol for an in vitro model of taste papillae morphogenesis using branchial arch explants and roller tube culture methodology. Our results demonstrate that this model supports the morphogenesis of the circumvallate papilla with an integrated nerve. In addition, the use of branchial arch explants allows the inclusion or exclusion of geniculate and petrosal ganglia to examine directly the effects of the presence or absence of innervation on papillae formation and maintenance.

Animals↗

An in vitro model to predict clinical response in adult acute myelogenous leukemia.

The relationship between in vitro leukemic cell growth kinetics, intracellular biochemical pharmacology of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C), and clinical response to ara-C-containing timed sequential therapy was examined in leukemic marrow populations from 62 adults with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Leukemic blasts from 45 previously untreated and 17 relapse patients were obtained before therapy, and cultured in autologous pretreatment serum (APS) and in serum containing drug-induced humoral stimulatory activity (HSA). While all cell populations cultured in HSA demonstrated increased proliferation, only growth-stimulated cohorts from those patients achieving complete remission with ara-C-based therapy demonstrated enhanced intracellular drug activation and active drug retention relative to cells maintained in APS, whereas cells from nonresponsive patients demonstrated no such HSA-induced increases in intracellular ara-C metabolism. In this in vitro model system, sensitive AML populations behave similarly to normal hematopoietic cohorts, with direct linkage of HSA-perturbed growth and net pharmacologic parameters, while refractory cohorts evince uncoupling of these determinants in the growth-stimulated state. This model identifies behavior patterns that may discriminate clinical sensitivity from clinical resistance and may serve to predict clinical outcome to timed sequential therapy with ara-C.

Adult↗

An in vitro model suitable for studying insulin secretion in amphibians.

The aim of this work was to develop an in vitro model suitable for studying insulin secretion in amphibians and for identifying agents capable of either blocking or stimulating such a process in this group. For this purpose, pancreases from the toad Bufo arenarum were incubated for 60 min at 25 degrees with several insulin secretagogues and blockers, and the immunoreactive insulin released into the medium was measured by radioimmunoassay. Under these experimental conditions, metabolic (glucose, ketoisocaproic acid, and arginine) and nonmetabolic (K+ and tolbutamide) agents as well as glucagon and acetylcholine significantly stimulated the release of immunoreactive insulin. Conversely, somatostatin and nifedipine blocked its secretion. All these agents exerted similar effects on the mammalian pancreas. These results prove that our model is a useful tool with which to study in vitro insulin secretion in amphibians and to identify agents which affect hormone release in this group.

Acetylcholine↗

Glycation of albumin, not glomerular basement membrane, alters permeability in an in vitro model.

The effects of glycation of either albumin, a plasma protein, or GBM were examined in an in vitro model of GBM permeability. Albumin was incubated with glucose in vitro, and nonglycated and glycated albumin were separated by affinity chromatography. Rat GBM was glycated either in vivo after the induction of diabetes or in vitro after incubation with 25 mM glucose. 150 micrograms of GBM was consolidated in an ultrafiltration cell, and albumin permeability across the GBM filter was assessed at an applied pressure (50 mmHg) selected to approximate glomerular capillary pressure in vivo. The sieving coefficient of glycated albumin was greater than the sieving coefficient of nonglycated albumin (0.25 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.10 +/- 0.02; P < 0.05). GBM glycated in vivo in diabetic rats exhibited native albumin and water permeability that was indistinguishable from that for GBM from control rats. Similarly, GBM glycated in vitro by incubation with 25 mM glucose exhibited water and albumin permeability identical to that for GBM incubated in buffer. Thus, the glycation of albumin, but not of GBM, leads to enhanced permeability in an in vitro GBM filtration system. Increased permeability of glycated albumin may contribute to albuminuria and/or renal injury in states of increased circulating glycated albumin such as diabetes and experimental galactosemia.

Animals↗

In vitro model of glial scarring around neuroelectrodes chronically implanted in the CNS.

A novel in vitro model of glial scarring was developed by adapting a primary cell-based system previously used for studying neuroinflammatory processes in neurodegenerative disease. Midbrains from embryonic day 14 Fischer 344 rats were mechanically dissociated and grown on poly-D-lysine coated 24 well plates to a confluent layer of neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. The culture was injured with either a mechanical scrape or foreign-body placement (segments of 50 microm diameter stainless steel microwire), fixed at time points from 6 h to 10 days, and assessed by immunocytochemistry. Microglia invaded the scraped wound area at early time points and hypertrophied activated astrocytes repopulated the wound after 7 days. The chronic presence of microwire resulted in a glial scar forming at 10 days, with microglia forming an inner layer of cells coating the microwire, while astrocytes surrounded the microglial core with a network of cellular processes containing upregulated GFAP. Vimentin expressing cells and processes were present in the scrape at early times and within the astrocyte processes forming the glial scar. Neurons within the culture did not repopulate the scrape wound and did not respond to the microwire, although they were determined to be electrically active through patch clamp recording. The time course and relative positions of the glia in response to the different injury paradigms correlated well with stereotypical in vivo responses and warrant further work in the development of a functional in vitro test bed.

Animals↗

Endothelial and neuronal-derived nitric oxide mediated relaxation of corpus cavernosal smooth muscle in a rat, in vitro, model of erectile function.

We set out to establish a simple, reproducible, rat in vitro model of erectile function and to use this to demonstrate the functional importance of both neuronal- and endothelial-derived nitric oxide within this animal. Two corpora cavernosal smooth muscle strips were harvested from sexually mature male Wistar rats and mounted in an organ bath for measurement of isometric tension. Following contraction with noradrenaline the strips were relaxed by the addition of either acetylcholine or sodium nitroprusside. Electrical field stimulation was performed in the presence of atropine and guanethidine. Relaxation responses were repeated in the presence of methylene blue, L-arginine, L-NNA and haemoglobin +/- L-arginine. Methylene blue abolishes the relaxation to acetylcholine and EFS; L-NNA and haemoglobin cause a significant impairment in the relaxation response. L-arginine reverses the effect of haemoglobin. In conclusion, the inhibitory, relaxant stimulus of rat corpora cavernosa is due to both neuronal nitric oxide and endothelial-derived nitric oxide released in response to cholinergic stimulation.

Animals↗

An in vitro model for the exposure of lung alveolar epithelial cells to toxic gases.

An in vitro model of lung alveolar tissue was developed by growing rat lung epithelial cells of Type II origin on hydrated collagen gels and subsequently maintaining the cultures at an air/liquid interface. The cultures provide a system to expose lung cells directly to toxic aerosols, fumes and gases. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was used to test the responsiveness of the cultures to toxic gases. Exposure to NO2 resulted in cytotoxicity and morphological alterations similar to those found in vivo, but at lower doses. Cell viability was analyzed by trypan blue dye exclusion, clonal survival and 3H-lysine incorporation. Dose-response relationships were determined at NO2 concentrations from 0-6.0 ppm (one hr exposure, room temperature) using cell viability assays. Decreased cell viability also resulted from increasing the time of exposure to 6 ppm of NO2 for up to one hr. This lung cell test system provides a rapid and economical system for the short-term toxicological testing of toxic gases, fumes, and aerosols.

Aerosols↗

Investigation of the hepatotoxicity profile of chemical entities using Liverbeads and WIF-B9 in vitro models.

The cytotoxicity profile of various chemical entities was evaluated using two in vitro hepatocyte models. Liverbeads is a cryopreserved model consisting of primary hepatocytes entrapped in alginate beads. WIF-B9 is a hybrid cell line obtained by fusion of rat hepatoma (Fao) and human fibroblasts (WI38). Various reference hepatotoxicants were tested and ranked according to their equivalent concentration 50 (EC50) for various biochemical endpoints (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol 2yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H tetrazolium bromure (MTT) activity, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and glutathione (GSH) levels). The ranking obtained was comparable in both models and consistent with previously published results on hepatocyte monolayers. Ketoconazole, erythromycin estolate, retinoic acid, telithromycin and alpha-naphthyl-isothiocyanate were among the most toxic chemicals in both models, with an EC50 < 200 microM. Troleandomycin, spiramycin, erythromycin, diclofenac, taurodeoxycholate, warfarin, galactosamine, valproic acid and isoniazid were found to be less toxic. Few marked differences, potentially linked to metabolism pathways, were observed between EC50s in the two models for compounds such as cyclosporine A (10 and > 831 microM) and warfarin (5904 and 1489 microM) in WIF-B9 and Liverbeads, respectively. The results obtained indicate that Liverbeads and WIF-B9 cells are reliable in vitro models to evaluate the hepatotoxic potential of a wide range of chemicals, irrespective of structure and pharmaceutical class.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Accumulation of methylmercury or polychlorinated biphenyls in in vitro models of rat neuronal tissue.

In vivo exposure levels for neurotoxicants are often reported in parts per million (ppm) concentration in tissue, whereas exposure levels in experiments utilizing in vitro models are most commonly reported in micromolar (muM) concentration in the exposure solution. The present experiments sought to determine whether or not in vitro solution concentration was an appropriate dose-metric for comparison to in vivo tissue levels for lipophilic compounds. To do so, the accumulation of the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixture Aroclor 1254 (A1254) or methylmercury (MeHg) was examined in three commonly utilized in vitro neuronal tissue models: nerve growth factor differentiated pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells, primary cultures of rat neocortical cells, and adult rat hippocampal slices. Tissues were exposed to A1254 (0.65 ppm) or to MeHg (0.0033-0.33 ppm) in serum-free media for 1 or 24 h. Total PCB or mercury accumulation was measured by dual column gas chromatography with electron capture detection or by cold vapor atomic absorption, respectively. PC12 cells accumulated 66.7 and 103.8 ppm PCBs after 1 and 24 h exposure to A1254. Neocortical neurons also accumulated significant concentrations of PCBs, but less so than PC12 cells. After 1 h exposure to 0.65 ppm A1254, slices contained 3.46 and 0.81 ppm PCBs when exposed in a static and perfused system, respectively. After 1 h exposure to 0.0033, 0.033, and 0.33 ppm MeHg, PC12 cells contained 0.3, 2.2, and 17.7 ppm mercury, respectively; after 24 h, PC12 cells contained 0.4, 2.8, and 21.9 ppm. Hippocampal slices accumulated 1.7 and 4.8 ppm mercury after 1 and 3 h exposure to 0.33 ppm MeHg. For comparison, mercury accumulation in rat fetal and pup brain tissue after maternal exposure [0, 0.1, 1.0, or 2.0 mg/kg/day MeHg from gestational day (GD) 6-15] ranged from 0.05 to 7.89 ppm in 0.1 mg/kg dose animals on postnatal day 10 and 2.0 mg/kg dose animals on GD16, respectively. These results demonstrate that accumulation of PCBs and MeHg in vitro is tissue-, time-, and concentration-dependent and indicates that tissue levels rather than exposure concentrations are a more appropriate metric for comparison of in vitro to in vivo effects.

Animals↗

Formation of a new fibrous attachment to human dental roots. A new vitro model for studying periodontal regeneration.

This study was performed to improve currently employed in vitro models for the study of periodontal regeneration by using a porous filter upon which periodontal ligament cells were grown. Periodontal ligament cells were harvested and 0.3 mm root discs cut from three partially erupted and extracted third molar teeth of one patient. Experimental culturing was performed by seeding periodontal ligament cell suspensions on Puropor-200 filters supported by wire-mesh grids in Grobstein Petri dishes. The following day, an interdental space of 0.1 to 0.3 mm was created by gently placing two dental root discs upon the filter. Cultures were terminated after 42, 56, 112 and 124 days, and processed for light- and electron microscopy. Collagen fibril diameters were measured. Adjacent and often attached to large areas of cementum-lined root discs, a dense fiber fringe developed. This fiber fringe was not found on dentin-lined root discs. Although less organized, older cultures demonstrated a similar disc-culture interface, which depended upon the presence or absence of original root cementum. Collagen fibrils of early cultures had a mean diameter of about 42 nm, while in older cultures the diameters ranged from 47 to 68 nm. It is concluded that the fibrous matrix attached to cementum-lined root discs somewhat resembles the initial stages of the formation of dental root cementum in vivo.

Adult↗