An In-vitro Model for Endothelial Cell Permeability Assessment: Evaluation of Contrast Media Vascular Permeability

Determination of endothelial permeability abnormalities in medical imaging may be explored using new contrast agents of various molecular size. The aim of this study was to compare in-vitro endothelial permeability with different classes of contrast agents: ioversol, P604 and sinerem. Parallel permeability tests to [3H]H2O and Evans blue-albumin were performed as references. Porcine aortic endothelial cells were grown on collagen-coated filters to study permeability through filters covered or uncovered by a cell monolayer. Experiments were carried out by placing each filter-ring (luminal chamber) into a beaker containing culture medium (abluminal chamber). Contrast agents were added into the luminal chamber. Samples were taken from the abluminal chamber at various times for permeability determinations. The data obtained demonstrated a relationship between the molecular size of the agents tested and endothelial permeability.