Polarity and transport properties of rabbit kidney proximal tubule
cells on collagen-iv coated porous membranes.
Genestie, Isabelle, Jean-Paul Morin, Bernard Vannier, and Giocondo
Lorenzon.
Departement de Toxicologie, Roussel Uclaf, 93235 Romainville Cedex
France, Inserm U-295, UER M[acute]edecine-Pharmacie, 76800 Saint Etienne du
Rouvray, France
APStracts 2:0016F, 1995.
A high degree of functional polarity has been obtained in primary
cultures of rabbit kidney proximal tubule cells, grown on collagen
IV-coated porous membranes. Tight confluency was attained 6 days
after seeding and maintained for at least 6 more days, as shown by
analysis of paracellular inulin diffusion. From day 6 onwards, L-
lactate, ammonia and D-glucose concentration gradient and a pH
difference of about one unit developed between the two nutrient
medium compartments. Confluent monolayers expressed organic ion
transport properties higher than those formerly reported for other
cell models. Transcellular transport of 20 M tetraethylammonium was
directed from basal to apical compartment and was specifically
inhibited by mepiperphenidol (1mM). Unidirectional transport of 2.4 M
p-aminohippurate also occurred from basal to apical compartment, was
saturable and specifically inhibited by probenecid (1mM). These
results suggest that rabbit kidney proximal tubule cells cultured
under the experimental conditions described in this paper may be a
useful model for the in vitro study of highly polarized renal
transport processes.
Received 14 November 1994; accepted in final form 3 February
1995.
APS Manuscript Number F406-4.
Article publication pending Am. J. Physiol. (Renal Fluid Electrolyte
Physiology).
ISSN 1080-4757 Copyright 1995 The American Physiological Society.
Published in APStracts on 23 February 1995.