Dulbecco's modified eagle's medium and minimum essential medium--which one is more preferred for establishment of Caco-2 cell monolayer model used in evaluation of drug absorption?

Abstract

The Caco-2 cell monolayer model is widely used in drug absorption studies. Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) and Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) have been used alternatively in the development of this model, although they are different in composition which may affect the differentiation and junction formation of the Caco-2 cell monolayer. Two Caco-2 cell monolayers cultured in both media were compared herein in order to underlay the standardization of this model. These two monolayers were comparatively evaluated regarding reliability and stability by morphology, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), alkaline phosphatase (AKPase) activity and transport experiments. Although the results showed that characteristic microvilli were present at the apical side of both monolayers, the dynamic change of TEER of the monolayer cultured in DMEM was more stable than that cultured in MEM, and AKPase activity of the former was stronger than that of the latter. Furthermore, the quantity of atenolol, a key indicator usually used for assessment of this model, across the monolayer cultured in MEM was significantly more than that cultured in DMEM. Therefore, the Caco-2 monolayer cultured in DMEM was more reliable and stable than that cultured in MEM, and thus the former was preferred for drug absorption investigation in vitro.