How cyclodextrins can mask their toxic effect on the blood–brain barrier

The toxicity of monosubstituted n-alkyldimethylammonium-β-cyclodextrins (DMA-Cn-CD with n = 2, 4 and 12) towards endothelial cells of an in vitro model of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) was evaluated and compared to that of the native β-CD. DMA-C12-CD was found to be non-toxic below 10 mM due to the self-inclusion of the alkyl chain in the CD cavity. A high percentage of passage (30%) of DMA-C12-CD through the endothelial cells has been measured.

The toxicity and permeability of monosubstituted n-alkyldimethylammonium-β-cyclodextrins towards endothelial cells of an in vitro model of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) was evaluated and compared to that of the native β-CD.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide