31 Geology and Health (Posters)
Sunday, 1 November 2015
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Exhibit Hall
THE EFFECTS OF LEAD ON BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER
Paper number: 31-9
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Authors
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Alix DuarteNew Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ
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Nurdan S. Duzgoren-AydinNew Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ
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Natalia ColemanNew Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects brain from harm by controlling influx and efflux transport. The barrier break down can results in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. While it is common knowledge that lead and other heavy metals cause neurological toxicity, little is know about how these elements influence BBB viability and integrity. Here we study the effects of Pb on BBB survival and function using Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK). MDCK cells display morphological, enzymatic and antigenic cell markers that are commonly found in cerebral endothelial cells and are commonly used to mimic the BBB. To assess cells viability we detect the number of metabolically active cells by using the MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. We have shown dose dependent MDCK cells deterioration.