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Fig. 5 | Molecular Medicine

Fig. 5

From: Amyloid-β Induces Chemokine Secretion and Monocyte Migration across a Human Blood-Brain Barrier Model

Fig. 5

Microscopic features of monocyte migration across the blood-brain barrier model. The models were constructed with human brain microvascular endothelial cells on the upper surface and human astrocytes on the lower surface of a porous terephthalate membrane. Monocytes (2.5 × 105) were placed in the upper chamber at the onset of migration. Either Aβ dot with 10,000 monocytes (M) (A and B; transmission electron micrographs, X 9,000) or no Aβ and no monocytes (C; transmission electron micrograph, X 9,000) was placed in the lower chamber. Note monocyte “activation” with abundant endoplasmic reticulum and adhesion to endothelial cells (E) and engagement for migration after retraction of endothelial cells (A and B). TM, terephthalate membrane; AP, astrocytic process. In the model without Aβ or monocytes in the lower chamber, the monocyte in the upper chamber appeared much smaller and without extensive endoplasmic reticulum (C). After transmigration into the lower chamber, the monocytes were seen as differentiated macrophages within the holes of the Aβ dot. Transmigrating monocyte/macrophages adhere to and lyse Aβ 1–42 dot on the bottom of the lower chamber (D; phase contrast, X 200).

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