Functional Assessment of Intestinal Tight Junction Barrier and Ion Permeability in Native Tissue by Ussing Chamber Technique

Abstract

Intestinal epithelium confers not only nutrient absorption but protection against noxious substances. The apical-most epithelial intercellular junction, i.e., the tight junction, regulates paracellular solute and ion permeability. Here, a protocol for the preparation of mucosal sheets and assessment of the ion selectivity of tight junctions using Ussing chamber technique is described.