Fig. 1

ACRE model exhibits epithelial barrier function. A Illustrated representation of the ACR in vivo and of the alveolar capillary region exposure (ACRE) model in vitro. During an ACRE-DEP exposure, alveolar-like epithelial cells are directly exposed to DEP suspension. In contrast, microvascular lung endothelial cells are never in direct contact with DEP. B Representative epithelial immunofluorescent images of ZO-1 and E-cadherin tight and adherens junctions, respectively, that colocalized with phalloidin-stained actin after a 24 h ACRE-DEP exposure. Images were acquired using a 20X objective. Scale bar represents 100 µm. Representative image of n = 3 independent experiments is shown. C TEER across the epithelial monolayer after a 24 h VEH or 24 h ACRE-DEP exposure. Values represent the mean of n = 3 independent experiments ± SD. D Distribution of DEP agglomerate diameter. The diameter of DEP agglomerates after resuspension by sonication was measured relative to the size standards included in the Flow Cytometry Size Calibration Kit (1, 2, 4, 6, 10, and 15 µm)