What is FITC-dextran permeability assay?

This assay is an indirect measure of total intestinal permeability. Mice are given an oral gavage of a fluorescently-labelled small molecule (FITC-dextran) in the assay, and at a subsequent timepoint the difference in fluorescence pre- and post-gavage is measured in plasma.

How does FITC-dextran work?

Plasma proteins have been shown not to bind to FITC-dextran. Fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran (FITC-Dextran 4) is use as a fluorescent probe to study cell permeability. FITC-Dextran 4 is used with to study permeability of epithelial cell such as intestinal and renal cells in vivo.

How is intestinal permeability measured in mice?

In mice, one way to study intestinal paracellular permeability is by measuring the ability of FITC-dextran to cross from the lumen into the blood. Thus, the intestinal permeability can be assessed by gavaging FITC-dextran directly into mice and measuring the fluorescence within the blood.

How do you dilute a dextran FITC?

1. Dissolve FITC-Dextran in sterile water at a final concentration of 20 mg/ml.

Is dextran a polysaccharide?

Dextran is a complex, branched glucan (polysaccharide made of many glucose molecules) composed of chains of varying lengths ranging from 3 to 2000kDa.

What color is FITC?

In the case of FITC, its maximum absorbance falls within the blue spectrum. Therefore, the blue 488 nm laser, which is close to FITC’s absorbance peak of 490 nm, is commonly used to excite this fluorophore. FITC emits fluorescence from 475 to 650 nm, peaking at 525 nm, which falls in the green spectrum.

Can you freeze FITC dextran?

For long-term storage, divide the aqueous solution into aliquots and freeze at ≤–20°C. AVOID REPEATED FREEZING AND THAWING. We offer dextrans with nominal molecular weights (MW) of 3,000; 10,000; 40,000; 70,000; 500,000; and 2,000,000 daltons.

How do you treat intestinal permeability?

Taking self-care steps that promote overall digestive health may be the best way to protect yourself from leaky gut.

Increase your intake of high-fiber foods.
Reduce your intake of refined carbohydrates.
Reduce your use of NSAIDs.
Take probiotic supplements.
Reduce your stress levels.
Reduce your alcohol intake.

How do you measure gut permeability?

Intestinal permeability is most commonly measured as the fractional urinary excretion of orally ingested probes. The probes selected must not be able to cross the epithelium by a transcellular route. Thus, probe entry into the bloodstream represents paracellular flux.

How do I store my FITC dextran solution?

Stored properly at 2-8 °C and protected from light FITC-dextran powders should be stable for a minimum of two to three years.

Is dextran 70 safe for eyes?

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: eye pain, change in vision, continued eye redness/irritation. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.

Is dextran an anticoagulant?

Carboxymethyl dextran benzylamide sulfonate/sulfates (CMDBS) are synthetic polysaccharides with anticoagulant activity. The anticoagulant activity of CMDBS was due both to direct thrombin inhibition and to catalysis of thrombin inhibition by HCII.

When does FITC dextran reach the small intestine?

The 70-kDa FITC dextran reached the jejunum after 15 min and passed the entire small intestine within 1 h after its administration, demonstrating that 4-kDa FITC dextran measured in plasma 1 h after its oral application is a marker of small intestinal permeability. Keywords: FITC dextran; intestinal permeability; transit time.

What’s the maximum concentration of FITC dextran in plasma?

The 4-kDa FITC dextran concentration in plasma reached its maximum 45 min after administration.

How is the permeability of the intestinal tract measured?

What is 40 kDa FITC dextran used for?

Therefore, Chondrex, Inc. provides 40 kDa FITC-Dextran as a biologically relevant macromolecular marker for the evaluation of semi-permeable membranes in vivo and in vitro.