Caco-2 Cellular Model to Study In Vitro the Mechanisms of Intestinal Barrier Permeability

Abstract: Objective: In the last decade, altered intestinal permeability has been increasingly associated with many chronic conditions, including gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Recent advances in cell technology have enabled the development of cellular model systems for the study of intestinal barrier permeability. Among them is the Caco-2 cells a well-characterized model of the intestinal epithelium that allows us to assess the ability of various substances to cross the intestinal barrier and to study their transport mechanisms. Material and methods: We used Caco-2 cells to establish a cellular in vitro model of the intestinal epithelium to study the permeability of the intestinal barrier. Results and discussion: The resulting model exhibited morphological characteristics typical of enterocytes, including the appearance of microvilli and extra-dense contacts, as well as typical functional characteristics. Using the cell layer permeability marker, FITC-dextran, it was shown that the permeability of the intestinal barrier increased several-fold when cells were treated with the cytoskeleton polymerization inhibitors, cytochalasin D and latrunculin B. Conclusions: In addition, it was noted that such a cellular model could be successfully applied both to create inflammatory conditions of the intestine and to select therapeutic approaches and drugs for its healing. © Pleiades Publishing, Ltd. 2025.