Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inducing fenestrae in an endothelial cell line. More particularly, the present invention relates to inducing fenestrae in a bEND5 cell line or a Py4.1 cell line utilizing latrunculin A or cytochalasin B as an inducing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a transgenic mouse. In particular, the present invention relates to a transgenic mouse whose genome comprises a TetO-VE-PTP transgene. The present invention also relates to a double transgenic mouse whose genome comprises the transgenes TetO-VE-PTP and Tie2-tTA, which is capable of conditionally over-expressing VE-PTP which is contingent on the presence of doxycycline. The present invention also relates to methods of generating a transgenic mouse whose genome comprises a TetO-VE-PTP and a double transgenic mouse whose genome comprises the transgenes TetO-VE-PTP and Tie2-tTA.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plasma membrane marker for identifying fenestrae. The invention also relates to a method of visualizing fenestrae utilizing a plasma membrane marker and light microscopy. The invention also relates to a method of identifying a plasma membrane marker for fenestrae. In particular, the invention relates to the characterization of moesin as a component of fenestrae sieve plates. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of moesin as a plasma membrane marker. Moesin may be used as a plasma membrane marker for the identification of fenestrae or permeability of endothelial cells.