Neurovascular Organotypic Culture Models Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Assess Adverse Chemical Exposure Outcomes.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent a promising cell source for the construction of organotypic culture models for chemical toxicity screening and characterization. Materials and Methods: To characterize the effects of chemical exposure on the human neurovasculature, we constructed neurovascular unit (NVU) models consisting of endothelial cells (ECs) and astrocytes (ACs) derived from human-iPSCs, as well as human brain-derived pericytes (PCs). The cells were cocultured on synthetic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels that guided the self-assembly of capillary-like vascular networks. High-content epifluorescence microscopy evaluated dose-dependent changes to multiple aspects of NVU morphology. Results: Cultured vas

SUBMITTER: Nguyen EH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6594538 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature