Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC), the major component of the blood-brain barrier, limit the passage of soluble and cellular substances from the blood into the brain. BMEC have unique features to distinguish themselves from those of peripheral endothelial cells, such as 1) intercellular tight junctions that display high electrical resistance and slow paracellular flux, 2) the absence of fenestrae and a reduced level of pinocytic activity, and 3) asymmetricallylocalized enzymes and carrier-mediated transport systems. Similar to peripheral endothelial cells, BMEC express, or can be induced to express, cell adhesion molecules on their surface that regulate the extravasation of leukocytes into the brain. BMEC have been widely used for studying the molecular and cellular properties of blood-brain barrier because of their unique functions. HBMEC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human brain. HBMEC are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 105 cells in 1 ml volume. HBMEC are characterized by immunofluorescence with antibodies specific to vWF and/or CD31 (PECAM1). HBMEC are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. HBMEC are guaranteed to further culture under the conditions provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories; however, HBMEC are not recommended for expanding or long-term cultures due to limited expansion capacity. 

Recommended Medium 

It is recommended to use Endothelial Cell Medium (ECM, Cat. #1001) for culturing HBMEC in vitro.