Studying Permeability in a Commonly Used Epithelial Cell Line: T84 Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Abstract

The integrity, or barrier function, of the intestinal epithelium is of paramount importance in -maintaining good health. This is largely imparted by a single layer of epithelial cells linked by the transmembrane tight junction protein complex near their apical surface. Disruption of epithelial permeability via the tight junctions can contribute to disease progression. The cytokine IFNγ is involved in many inflammatory processes and has been shown to dramatically increase permeability via changes at the tight junction in experimental models. One of its key effectors is the transcription factor, -IRF-1. In our studies of the role of IRF-1 in barrier function using the human T84 intestinal epithelial cell monolayer model, we have found that induction of IRF-1 alone is insufficient to change permeability and that if IRF-1 is involved in mediating the permeability effects of IFNγ, then other factors must also be required.

Simultaneous Exposure to Escherichia coli Heat-Labile and Heat-Stable Enterotoxins Increases Fluid Secretion and Alters Cyclic Nucleotide and Cytokine Production by Intestinal Epithelial Cells

“…This cell line is one of several cell lines, such as the CaCo2 and HT-29 cells, used to represent intestinal epithelial cells. T84 cells have also frequently been used as in vitro models for intestinal ion transport and permeability studies and to represent intoxication by ST or endogenous peptides (38)(39)(40). T84 cells express the GC-C receptors in greater numbers than do most other intestinal epithelial cell lines while also maintaining all the components required for signaling and ion secretion that occur secondary to increased cAMP and cGMP (41).…”

Indomethacin-induced translocation of bacteria across enteric epithelia is reactive oxygen species-dependent and reduced by vitamin C

“…Employing monolayers of the T84 human crypt-like epithelial cell line (14,24), we assessed the effect of NSAIDs on epithelial barrier function using noninvasive E. coli as the "permeability probe," since the passage of bacteria across the epithelium may be a critical component of inflammatory bowel disease (1). Corroborating earlier studies (7,42), we show that indomethacin has a significant direct detrimental effect on the barrier function of enteric epithelium, enhancing the transcytosis of the noninvasive, nontoxigenic, nonpathogenic E. coli strain HB101 (used as commensal organisms).…”

“…Monolayers of the human T84 crypt-like colonic epithelial cell line have been widely used as an in vitro model system to assess the regulation of epithelial permeability (14,24). Using this model, we found that indomethacin, but not piroxicam [both of which inhibit COX-1 and -2 activity (49)], increased epithelial internalization and translocation of nonpathogenic, noninvasive Escherichia coli.…”

A novelin vitroplatform for the study of SN38-induced mucosal damage and the development of Toll-like receptor 4-targeted therapeutic options

“…3 Consequently, the paradoxical functions of the intestinal barrier are critical in maintaining gastrointestinal health and homeostasis. 4 Tight junctions provide a paracellular barrier that is selectively permeable to ions and macromolecules. The molecular characteristics and functional properties of tight junctions are subject to modification by a variety of cues, both physiological and pathological, highlighting the highly dynamic nature of these structures.…”