Human Choroid Plexus Epithelial Cells

In central nervous system, the choroid plexus acts as a barrier that separates the blood from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is composed of cuboidal epithelium surrounding capillaries that embedded in a loose connective tissue. The choroid plexus epithelial cells (CPECs), linked by tight junctions, form a neuroprotective barrier by regulating the exchange of electrocytes, nutrients, metabolic wastes, and xenobiotics into and out of the central nervous system. The choroid plexus epithelium is responsible for synthesis and secretion of CSF, regulation of hormone signaling and passage of leukocytes during brain injury and infections. Morphological changes such as atrophy of choroidal epithelial cells, are commonly seen in aging and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer disease.

Applications
Human choroid plexus epithelial cells provide an excellent model for studying CSF secretion and can be useful in building transepithelial model of the blood-CSF barrier in vitro. They can also be used to study molecular exchange mechanism of the choroid plexus and pathophysiology associated with the dysfunction of CPECs.