AJP - Cell Physiology, Vol 248, Issue 3 271-C278, Copyright © 1985 by American Physiological Society
Comparison of isolated cells from liver, colon, and kidney of guinea pig
H. J. Burger, G. Hauber, W. Schlote and M. Schwenk
Liver cells, colon epithelial cells, and kidney tubule fragments were
isolated from guinea pig using methods previously employed in the rat. All
three cell preparations exhibited well-preserved structure. Respiration was
highest in kidney tubule fragments (25 nmol O2/mg protein X min) and was
well coupled in all preparations. When cells were incubated at 37 degrees
C, they accumulated K+ in a ouabain-sensitive manner. Incorporation of
[3H]phenylalanine and [3H]uridine into acid-precipitable material proceeded
linearly over at least 40 min. The cytochrome P-450 content (175 pmol/mg
cell protein) and activity (aminopyrine demethylation) of liver cells
exceeded that of the other two preparations 15- to 20-fold. The results
indicate good maintenance of function in all three preparations. Because
guinea pig epithelial cells exhibit some advantages over isolated cells
from other species, the present preparations are well suited for comparing
the cell physiology of the respective organs.
