Amyloid beta-protein precursor and apolipoprotein E production in cultured cerebral endothelial cells isolated from brains of patients with neurodegenerative disorders at autopsy

Primary cultures of cerebral endothelial cells were established from microvessels isolated from the autopsied brains of patients afflicted with neurodegenerative disorders. These cultures were able to proliferate and retain cerebral endothelial cell characteristics. Doubling time for the cultured cells was between 1.5 and 2 days. Cells stained positive for the cerebral endothelial cell marker Factor VIII antigen and formed tight functions. We also demonstrate that these cells produce the A beta protein precursor (A beta PP) and secrete apolipoprotein E (apoE). Utilizing this system it will be possible to analyze whether A beta PP production in cerebral endothelial cells is altered in Alzheimer's disease.