Bend.3 Cells

The Bend.3 cell line is derived from mouse brain endothelial cells and is widely utilized in neurovascular research. These cells serve as a model for studying the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a critical structure that regulates the passage of substances from the bloodstream into the brain. Bend.3 cells are instrumental in exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing BBB integrity, permeability, and transport functions. Researchers use Bend.3 cells to investigate the pathophysiology of various neurological disorders, such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis, where BBB dysfunction is a hallmark. Bend.3 cells exhibit endothelial characteristics, including the expression of tight junction proteins such as occludin, claudins, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), which are essential for maintaining the selective permeability of the BBB. They also express markers like CD31 and von Willebrand factor, typical of endothelial cells. Bend.3 cells respond to inflammatory stimuli and oxidative stress, making them suitable for studies on BBB disruption and neuroinflammation. Additionally, this cell line is used to assess the efficacy and safety of pharmacological agents intended to cross the BBB, aiding in the development of treatments for central nervous system disorders. The utility of Bend.3 cells in modeling the neurovascular unit underscores their importance in advancing our understanding of brain endothelial cell biology and the development of neurotherapeutics.