Menadione inhibits attenuation of the paracellular permeability of a brain endothelioma cell monolayer by interferon-beta in vitro

Background: Breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an essential part of the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). BBB function can be impaired by free radicals in vitro, and free radicals are highly elevated in patients with acute exacerbations of MS. Menadione can cross the lipid bilayer and is therefore considered as an intracellular oxyradical producing agent. We have shown previously that low-dose interferon-β (IFN-b) attenuates the permeability of a monolayer of brain endothelioma cells in vitro. Objective: We examined, whether exposure of a monolayer of brain endothelioma cells to menadione inhib…