Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a biomolecule present in the body that has diverse cellular effects, including trafficking of lymphocytes, upregulation of gene expression, and cell proliferation. These effects are mediated through binding of S1P to specific G-protein coupled receptors, which are expressed on both endothelial cells (EC) and astrocytes (AC), two important components of the blood brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a highly selective cellular structure that monitors the homeostasis of the brain through regulation of exchange between the CNS and the periphery. However, when the AC and EC are unable to perform their key functions, the integrity of the BBB is compromised. Since S1P signaling plays a role in the egress of lymphocytes from the lymph nodes during an immune response, the modulation of the S1P receptors expressed on the AC and the EC was studied to determine if it would be beneficial for the integrity of the BBB. The effects of S1P were studied by using an <i>in vitro</i> model for the BBB, a transmigration assay. Experiments testing the effects of S1P on cell permeability and viability were also ran. The results showed that astrocytes release factors which improve structure and viability of endothelial cells. In addition, it appears S1P is an important factor in the signaling and transmigration of lymphocytes and may be a potential drug candidate for decreased lymphocyte trafficking across the BBB.

Effects of sphingosine 1-phosphate at the blood brain barrier

249th National Meeting (2015)

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