Fetal rabbit gastric epithelial cells cultured on floating collagen gels

Cells were isolated from approximately 30 d fetal rabbit stomachs and cultured on floating collagen gels. Electron microscopy showed monolayers in which only one cell type persisted. These columnar cells were joined at apical borders by tight junctions and contained an extensive endoplasmic reticular network with an occasional intracellular canaliculus. They also occasionally contained what appeared to be secretory granules (mucus?), and therefore had some characteristics of all the cell types of the intact fetal stomachs, which showed oxyntic, mucous, and undifferentiated cells. In Ussing chambers with Ringer's solution on both sides, cultures developed transepithelial potential (potential difference [PD], mV, mucosa ground) = 13, resistance (resistance [R], omega - cm2) - 285, and short-circuit current (Isc, microA/cm3) = 45 (n = 7), clearly indicating that cellular polarity and junctional integrity were maintained. These transport parameters were somewhat different for intact fetal stomachs (PD = 20, R = 70, and Isc = 220 [n = 4]), which may be due to extensive folding of intact fetal stomachs or the presence of only one cell type in culture, or both. Although gastric stimulants histamine, dibutyryl cycle AMP (dbcAMP), and isobutylmethylxanthine (IMX) (a phosphodiesterase inhibitor) did not elicit H+ secretion or electrophysiological changes in monolayers or intact stomachs, 10-4 M apical amiloride caused a decrease in Isc in cultured monolayers(27%) and intact stomachs (50%). Thus, Na+ transport seems to be a significant fraction of ion transport in both preparations. This culture system may allow the study of oxyntic cell differentiation and the development of H+, Na+, and Cl- transport in the gastric musoca.

Cell surface distribution and intracellular fate of asialoglycoproteins: a morphological and biochemical study of isolated rat hepatocytes and monolayer cultures

A combination of biochemistry and morphology was used to demonstrate that more than 95 percent of the isolated rat hepatocytes prepared by collagenase dissociation of rat livers retained the pathway for receptor-mediated endocytosis of asialoglycoproteins (ASGPs). Maximal specific binding of (125)I-asialoorosomucoid ((125)I-ASOR) to dissociated hepatocytes at 5 degrees C (at which temperature no internalization occurred) averaged 100,000-400,000 molecules per cell. Binding, uptake, and degredation of (125)I- ASOR at 37 degrees C occurred at a rate of 1 x 10(6) molecules per cell over 2 h. Light and electron microscopic autoradiography (LM- and EM-ARG) of (125)I-ASOR were used to visualize the surface binding sites at 5 degrees C and the intracellular pathway at 37 degrees C. In the EM-ARG experiments, ARG grains corresponding to (125)I-ASOR were distributed randomly over the cell surface at 5 degrees C but over time at 37 degrees C were concentrated in the lysosome region. Cytochemical detection of an ASOR-horseradish peroxidase conjugate (ASOR-HRP) at the ultrastructural level revealed that at 5 degrees C this specific ASGP tracer was concentrated in pits at the cell surface as well as diffusely distributed along the rest of the plasma membrane. Such a result indicates that redistribution of ASGP surface receptors had occurred. Because the number of surface binding sites of (125)I-ASOR varied among cell preparations, the effect of collagenase on (125)I-ASOR binding was examined. When collagenase-dissociated hepatocytes were re-exposed to collagenase at 37 degrees C, 10-50 percent of control binding was observed. However, by measuring the extent of (125)I-ASOR binding at 5 degrees C in the same cell population before and after collagenase dissociation, little reduction in the number of ASGP surface receptors was found. Therefore, the possibility that the time and temperature of the cell isolations allowed recovery of cell surface receptors following collagenase exposure was tested. Freshly isolated cells, dissociated cells that were re-exposed to collagenase, and perfused livers exposed to collagenase without a Ca(++)-free pre-perfusion, were found to bind 110-240 percent more(125)I-ASOR after 1 h at 37 degrees C that they did at 0 time. This recovery of surface ASGP binding activity occurred in the absence of significant protein synthesis (i.e., basal medium or 1 mM cycloheximide). Suspensions of isolated, unpolarized hepatocytes were placed in monolayer culture for 24 h and confluent cells were demonstrated to reestablish morphologically distinct plasma membrane regions analogous to bile canalicular, lateral, and sinusoidal surfaces in vivo. More than 95 percent of these cells maintained the capacity to bind, internalize, and degrade (125)I-ASOR at levels comparable to those of the freshly isolated population. ASOR-HRP (at 5 degrees C) was specifically bound to all plasma membrane surfaces of repolarized hepatocytes (cultured for 24 h) except those lining bile canalicular-like spaces. Thus, both isolated, unpolarized hepatocytes and cells cultured under conditions that promote morphological reestablishment of polarity maintain the pathway for receptor- mediated endocytosis of ASGPs.

Mouse liver cell culture. II. Primary culture

Mouse hepatocytes in primary culture were characterized. Hepatocytes were isolated by the two-step hepatic portal vein perfusion method described previously. An optimal cell attachment of 43% was noted after 2 h incubation in 10% fetal bovine serum. Minimal attachment (less than 7%) occurred in serumless medium. Serum concentrations above 10% and attachment durations greater that 2 h resulted in no increased attachment of viable cells. Nonviable cells, however, progressively attached when both of these parameters were increased. Survival data of the cells in culture resembled those reported for rat hepatocytes in primary culture. A progressive decrease in survival was noted following initial attachment until only approximately 15% of initially plated cells remained viable and attached after 8 d culture. The decrease in survival was accompanied by morphologic changes including flattening and elongation of the cells, some multinucleation, and disruption of monolayer groups.

Growth and functional activities of neonatal and adult rat hepatocytes cultured on fibronectin coated substratum in serum-free medium

Hepatocytes isolated from neonatal (NN) and adult (AD) rats were seeded on fibronectin coated substratum and cultured in arginine-free medium supplemented with various combinations of insulin, dexamethasone, triiodothyronine (T3), albumin, and transferrin, in presence or absence of fibronectin depleted serum (FDS). The main finding is that in response to certain hormone mixtures, both NN and AD hepatocytes can be stimulated to proliferate, as revealed by an increase in cell number, a [3H]thymidine incorporation into nuclei, and extractable DNA as well as the appearance of mitotic figures. Moreover, this proliferative activity is associated with changes in hepatocyte ploidy. However, the proliferative response of NN hepatocytes to hormone action is much different from that of AD hepatocytes, and the addition of FDS amplifies this activity in NN but inhibits it in AD hepatocyte cultures. Measurements of tyrosine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities indicate a good preservation of NN and AD hepatocyte functional integrity under certain culture conditions. A good maintenance of albumin production in NN and AD hepatocyte cultures requires the presence of dexamethasone, whereas the alpha-fetoprotein production in NN hepatocyte cultures is reduced quite rapidly under most conditions. No alpha-fetoprotein is detectable in AD hepatocyte cultures.

Amino acid and energy requirements for rat hepatocytes in primary culture

The amino acid and energy requirements of rat hepatocytes in suspension and early culture were investigated. Among a number of potential energy substrates tested, pyruvate (20 mM) was found to be most effective in stimulating hepatocytic protein synthesis. Amino acids stimulated protein synthesis both as energy substrates and as protein precursors. An amino acid mixture was designed to provide maximal inhibition of protein degradation as well as maximal stimulation of protein synthesis. In a defined medium containing amino acids at these concentrations, and supplemented with glucocorticoid hormone and insulin, hepatocytes could be maintained--on a collagen substratum--for at least a week without any significant net loss of cells or cellular protein.

Culture of bovine mammary epithelial cells on collagen gels

A method for the isolation of lobules of acini from bovine mammary gland and their storage in liquid nitrogen is described. After further dissociation of freshly prepared or frozen lobules, clumps of cells are obtained which attach to collagen gels and give rise to colonies which, on morphological criteria, appear predominantly epithelial. Storage for up to 6 months did not adversely affect viability. Increase in colony area involved cell division, was more rapid in air than in 95% oxygen and was enhanced by fetal calf serum.

Alterations in electrophysiology of cultured BALB/cfC3H mouse mammary epithelium associated with neoplastic transformation

Mammary tumor virus and neoplastic transformation affect prolactin-modulated electrophysiology of mouse mammary epithelium in vitro. Transepithelial resistances of both prelactating and neoplastic BALB/cfC3H mouse mammary epithelial cell cultures are lower than those seen in BALB/c prelactating cell cultures. Unlike the response to prolactin in BALB/c cultures, there are no effects of this hormone on transepithelial potential difference or resistance of BALB/cfC3H prelactating or neoplastic cultures. However, prolactin significantly increases short-circuit current in both BALB/c and BALB/cfC3H prelactating cell cultures and in BALB/cfC3H neoplastic cell cultures. The response of tumor cell cultures suggests that pregnancy-independent mouse mammary epithelium may not be entirely refractory to prolactin.

Glucose and triiodothyronine both induce malic enzyme in the rat hepatocyte culture: evidence that triiodothyronine multiplies a primary glucose-generated signal

We have stimulated in a cultured hepatocyte system the synergistic interaction between triiodothyronine (T3) and dietary carbohydrate in the induction of malic enzyme (ME). Kinetic studies revealed that isolated hepatocytes equilibrate with media T3 within 5 min; nuclei equilibrate with media T3 by 45 min; and the half-time of T3 metabolism was 10 h in 10% serum. We demonstrated nuclear T3 receptors in isolated hepatocytes and the induction of ME by T3 in physiological concentrations. However, in the complete absence of T3 glucose could still induce ME. At all concentrations of glucose (100-1,000 mg/dl), T3 (0.3 nM free T3) resulted in a relatively constant (1.4- to 1.7-fold) increase in ME response. The augmentation in ME activity was paralleled by an enhanced rate of enzyme synthesis as determined by [3H]leucine incorporation into immunoprecipitable ME. Cells cultured in serum free media also demonstrated a glucose-dependent increase in ME. Insulin greatly stimulated the glucose induction of ME, whereas dexamethasone had very little influence on ME induction. These studies demonstrate the usefulness of an adult hepatocyte tissue culture model for the study of the effects of T3 on gene expression in cells that are not derived from tumor. They clearly demonstrate that well established effects of T3 can be simulated in such a system at levels of free hormone that approximate those in extracellular body fluids. Our results indicate that an increased concentration of glucose per se can induce the formation of ME in the absence of alterations in extrahepatic hormones or factors. Moreover, our findings confirm inferences from in vivo studies that T3 acts as a multiplier of a glucose-induced signal.

Characterization of a myoepithelial cell line derived from a neonatal rat mammary gland

A clonal, myoepithelial-like cell line has been obtained from a primary culture established from the mammary gland of a 7-d-old rat. In a number of respects, this cell line, termed Rama 401, resembles the myoepithelial cells of the mammary gland, especially when grown on floating collagen gels. The cells grow as multilayers on the gel surface and form branching structures that do not appear to contain a lumen. They are rather elongated, with irregular-shaped, flattened nuclei that contain large amounts of peripheral chromatin. Elongated processes project from the cell surface and numerous membrane pinocytotic vesicles can be seen. The cytoplasm is filled with linear arrays of 5- to 7-nm filaments with occasional dense foci. Cell junctions with associated 8- to 11-nm tonofilaments are also observed. Immunofluorescence techniques reveal actin and myosin filaments and also intermediate filaments of both prekeratin and vimentin types. Rama 401 cells secrete an amorphous material that, when an immunoperoxidase technique is used, stains with antibodies to basement membrane-specific type IV collagen. Localized densities of the cell membrane, which resemble hemidesmosomes, are located adjacent to these extracellular deposits. Immunofluorescence staining and immunoprecipitation techniques reveal that the cells also synthesize two other basement membrane proteins, laminin and fibronectin. The type IV collagen consists of two chains with molecular weights of 195,000 and 185,000.

The regulation of hepatic tyrosine aminotransferase

Tyrosine aminotransferase induction has been studied in hepatocytes from untreated, partially and fully glucocorticoid-induced rats: enzyme activities were initially 12.9 +/- 1.7 (n = 16), 41.4 +/- 3.2 (n = 6) and 117.9 +/- 10.5 (n = 7) munits/mg protein, respectively. Untreated or fully induced hepatocytes maintain initial levels, whereas partially induced hepatocytes increase their tyrosine aminotransferase activity even in the presence of actinomycin D. Fully induced hepatocytes possess a normal protein synthetizing machinery and the mechanisms to degrade selectively tyrosine aminotransferase. The effect of progesterone treatment is consistent with these cells retaining a high dexamethasone level. Glucagon induces tyrosine aminotransferase via its second messenger, cyclic AMP. This induction decreases dramatically with in vivo glucocorticoid treatment. Time courses and effects of inhibitors are consistent with these in vivo and in vitro treatments being alternative methods of inducing tyrosine aminotransferase by the same basic pretranslational step.

Sister-chromatid exchange induction by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in an intact cell system of adult rat-liver epithelial cells

Adult rat-liver epithelial cell lines possess intrinsic metabolic capability for the biotransformation of xenobiotics and thus, are sensitive to a broad spectrum of mutagens/carcinogens in a mutagenesis assay at the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase locus. To provide another end-point of biological significance in these lines, we have investigated the application of adult rat-liver epithelial cell line 18 in a sister-chromatid exchange assay. Significant dose-dependent increases in the sister-chromatid exchange frequency occurred when liver cells were exposed to benzo[a]pyrene and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene. A weak but positive response was elicited by benz[a]anthracene. The present observations thus confirm the capacity of these cells to generate genotoxic metabolites from activation-dependent mutagens/carcinogens and indicate a relationship between the production of mutations and sister-chromatid exchanges by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

The influence of cell shape on the induction of functional differentiation in mouse mammary cells in vitro

To define more clearly the in vitro conditions permissive for hormonal induction of functional differentiation, we cultured dissociated normal mammary cells from prelactating mice in or on a variety of substrates. Cultivation of an enriched epithelial cell population in association with living adult mammary stroma in the presence of lactogenic hormones resulted in both morphological and biochemical differentiation. This differentiation, however, was not enhanced over that seen when the cells were associated with killed stroma, provided that the killed stroma had a flexibility similar to that of the living stroma. Cells cultured in inflexible killed stroma usually did not differentiate. Cells cultured within the flexible environment of a collagen gel, but removed from the gas-medium interface, differentiated in a manner similar to those cultured in flexible stroma. Cells cultured on the surface of an attached collagen gel were squamous, and their basolateral surfaces were sequestered from the medium; they did not differentiate. Cells cultured on floating collagen gels were cuboidal-columnar, with basolateral surfaces exposed to the medium, and showed good functional differentiation. Cells cultured on inflexible floating collagen gels were extremely flattened and had exposed basolateral surfaces, and showed no evidence of functional differentiation. We infer that assumption of cuboidal to columnar shapes differentiation in vitro. The additional requirement of basolateral cell surface exposure also is important.

Transepithelial electrophysiology of cultured mouse mammary epithelium: sensitivity to prolactins

Several prolactins and growth hormones affect cultured BALB/c mouse mammary epithelial electrophysiology at doses of 10 micrograms/ml. Ovine prolactin is effective at doses as low as 1 ng/ml, levels that are three to four orders of magnitude less than effective amounts of rat growth hormone. Because growth hormone preparations may have approximately 1% prolactin contamination, its effects are probably due to prolactin contamination. The maximum effect of ovine prolactin on short-circuit current and on resistance occurs at doses differing by two orders of magnitude, indicating that these two effects of prolactin may be partially separable. Therefore, prolactin may have effects on passive permeability properties in addition to its documented effects on active transport.

Transmembrane potential of rat hepatocytes in primary monolayer culture

Transmembrane potentials of rat hepatocytes in primary monolayer culture on collagen gels were measured with glass microelectrodes. Potentials for cells in culture for 23-30 h comprised two populations. The mean +/- SD for a population of stable low potentials was -9.7 +/- 2.0 mV (n = 93). This was compared with -23.6 +/- 9.4 mV (n = 42), the mean value for stable potentials that followed spontaneous increases in the low potentials, 0.5-2.0 min after the impalement. The estimated input resistance increased during these spontaneous hyperpolarizations. In some cells, after 48 h in culture, the transmembrane potential oscillated rhythmically, with an amplitude of 25 mV and a period of 7 min. Suffusing the cells with 120 mM potassium chloride decreased the potential and eliminated the oscillations. The stable high potentials were considered more accurate estimates of the hepatocyte transmembrane potential, based on comparison with values for intact liver. Low potentials may have resulted from current leaking through an electrode shunt resistance, followed by an increase in potential as the membrane "sealed" the shunt pathway. However, these events may also reflect cells capable of two stable transmembrane potentials.

Maintenance of adult hamster pancreas cells on fibroblastic cells

The maintenance of primary cultures of adult hamster pancreatic cells on layers of irradiated C3H/10T1/2 cells was studied. Various types of pancreatic cells, acinar, islet and ductular cells could be identified in the cultures by light and electron microscopy. Morphologically the various pancreatic cells retained many differentiated characteristics of their respective in vivo cells types. Insulin production was maintained at near Day 1 levels for the 16 d in culture for which it was measured. Colonies of epithelial cells continued to grow during a 20 d culture period. It is believed that this procedure for maintaining functional and growing pancreas cells in culture may be a useful in vitro model for studying the initiation of pancreatic carcinogenesis.

Mouse liver cell culture. II. Primary culture

Mouse hepatocytes in primary culture were characterized. Hepatocytes were isolated by the two-step hepatic portal vein perfusion method described previously. An optimal cell attachment of 43% was noted after 2 h incubation in 10% fetal bovine serum. Minimal attachment (less than 7%) occurred in serumless medium. Serum concentrations above 10% and attachment durations greater that 2 h resulted in no increased attachment of viable cells. Nonviable cells, however, progressively attached when both of these parameters were increased. Survival data of the cells in culture resembled those reported for rat hepatocytes in primary culture. A progressive decrease in survival was noted following initial attachment until only approximately 15% of initially plated cells remained viable and attached after 8 d culture. The decrease in survival was accompanied by morphologic changes including flattening and elongation of the cells, some multinucleation, and disruption of monolayer groups.

Differential inducibility of chromosome aberrations and sister-chromatid exchanges by indirect mutagens in various mammalian cell lines

A total of 17 cultured mammalian cell lines of various types was investigated for the inducibility of chromosome aberrations (CAs) and sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs) after exposure to 3 direct mutagens, cyclophosphamide (CP), dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) and benzo[a]pyrene (BP), without extrinsic metabolizing factors. The following cell lines were highly sensitive to CP as estimated by the dose-dependent increase of either CAs or SCEs, or both: 4 rat ascites hepatomas (AH66-B, AH66-C, AH70B, AH109A), 3 rat esophageal tumors (R1, R2, R3), the Yoshida sarcoma (YS), a Chinese hamster embryonic cell line (B-13), and a human embryonic (HE2236) cell line. 1 golden-hamster embryonic (GHE), 1 human embryonic (HE2144) and 1 human esophageal tumor (TH) cell line were moderately sensitive to CP in terms of the yield of SCEs, though they showed rather low sensitivity when measured by the frequency of CAs. 2 Chinese hamster (CHO-K1, CHL) and 1 human lymphoma (P3HR-1) cell lines were much less sensitive or almost insensitive with respect to the yield of both CAs and SCEs. Considering the above results and taking some other experimental conditions into account, 7 cell lines, including another Chinese hamster cell line (Don 6), were similarly investigated with DMN and BP. The results indicated that AH66-B, which was highly sensitive to CP, was also sensitive to DMN and BP, and that the CP-sensitive R1 and R3 were responsive to DMN. While YS, B-13, Don 6 and P3HR-1 did not show any significant response to DMN, a considerable increment of SCEs was noted in B-13 after treatment with BP, GHE was also notable for its high sensitivity to BP, showing an apparently dose-dependent increase of both CAs and SCEs. HE2144 exhibited a slightly increased rate of SCEs after exposure to BP.

Increase of L-serine dehydratase activity under gluconeogenic conditions in adult-rat hepatocytes cultured on collagen gel/nylon mesh

Hormonal regulation of L-serine dehydratase [L-serine hydro-lyase (deaminating), EC 4.2.1.13] was studied in primary cultures of adult-rat hepatocytes. The hepatocytes were isolated by collagenase perfusion and maintained in culture on collagen-gel/nylon-mesh substrata. L-Serine dehydratase activity was measured with [14C]threonine as substrate. The enzyme activity in hepatocytes of normal adult rats was low and declined rapidly in culture in L-15 medium containing 0.1 micro M-insulin and even more in the presence of glucose. L-Serine dehydratase activity in hepatocytes of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes was initially 20-fold higher than that of normal rats, but fell rapidly to a low value by 4 days in culture. Hormonal regulation of the enzyme activity was manifested by treatment of the cultured hepatocytes with insulin (0.1 micro M), glucagon (0.3 micro M), dexamethasone (10 micro M) and combinations of these hormones. Either glucagon or dexamethasone in the absence of insulin enhanced the activity of L-serine dehydratase, but failed to do so in the presence of insulin. Treatment with both hormones resulted in a 2-3-fold increase in enzyme activity in culture on days 3 and 4. Under conditions in which the enzyme activity was enhanced, glucose production by the cultured hepatocytes was concomitantly increased. Glucose production resulted in part from gluconeogenesis from pyruvate and not entirely from glycogenolysis. The gluconeogenic conditions of culture resulted in a decrease in cellular lipids in the cultured hepatocytes, as evidenced by ultrastructural studies.

Insulin antagonism of glucocorticoid induction of tyrosine aminotransferase in cultured foetal hepatocytes

Whereas dexamethasone is unable to induce the premature formation of hepatic tyrosine aminotransferase when administered to foetal rats in utero, the steroid can induce the enzyme in foetal rat liver if the liver is first removed from the environment in utero and grown in culture. Dexamethasone produced a significant induction of the enzyme at a concentration of 0.1 nM in cultured foetal hepatocytes, but for optimal induction the cells were exposed to 10 nM for 15 h. Growing the hepatocytes in the presence of physiological concentrations of insulin had no effect on the enzyme activity in control cells. However, the induction of the enzyme by dexamethasone was markedly diminished in the presence of insulin. This effect of insulin is both time-dependent and dose-dependent with significant inhibition being obtained with 1 nM insulin. Growing foetal hepatocytes in the presence of insulin has no effect on either the cellular level of glucocorticoid receptor or on the stability of dexamethasone-receptor complexes to undergo nuclear translocation suggesting that insulin inhibits some event subsequent to translocation. The results are discussed in relation to the postnatal appearance of tyrosine aminotransferase and suggest that the marked decline in the plasma concentration of insulin, that is known to occur at birth, is a major contributor to the postnatal induction of the enzyme.

Tissue culture of human epithelial cells from benign colonic tumors

Human colonic epithelial cells from three classes of benign tumors have been reproducibly cultured free of fibroblasts for 8 wk using a supplemented Medium 199 (M 199S). The cultured colonic cells were identified as epithelial by the presence of junctional complexes (tight junctions, gap junctions, and desmosomes), a brush border on the apical surface, keratin fibrils, and by both a close-packed columnar or cuboidal morphology and the capability to transport water and ions to form hemicysts. Colony formation was initiated by groups of epithelial cells, not by single cells, and was inhibited by cocultivation with either lethally irradiated 3T3 cells or human diploid fibroblasts. Enhancement of epithelial colony formation was observed following culture on nonadherent, "floating" substrates compared with substrates attached directly to the bottom of the culture dish. Replication of epithelial cells in M 199S from the class of benign colonic tumors least prone to malignancy, the tubular, was significantly enhanced by epidermal growth factor (EGF). In contrast, EGF did not stimulate the growth of cells in M 199S from the other classes of benign tumors, the villotubular and the villous, which exhibit more malignant potential. These data imply that premalignant colonic epithelial cells lose responsiveness to growth modulation by EGF as they progress toward frank carcinoma.

Expression of keratin and vimentin intermediate filaments in rabbit bladder epithelial cells at different stages of benzo[a]pyrene-induced neoplastic progression

Rabbit bladder epithelium, grown on collagen gels and exposed to the chemical carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene, produced nontumorigenic altered foci as well as tumorigenic epithelial cell lines during 120-180 d in culture. Immunofluorescence studies revealed extensive keratin filaments in both primary epithelial cells and benzo[a]pyrene-induced altered epithelial foci but showed no detectable vimentin filaments. The absence of vimentin expression in these cells was confirmed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. In contrast, immunofluorescence staining of the cloned benzo[a]pyrene-transformed rabbit bladder epithelial cell line, RBC-1, revealed a reduction in filamentous keratin concomitant with the expression of vimentin filaments. The epithelial nature of this cell line was established by the observation that cells injected into nude mice formed well-differentiated adenocarcinomas. Frozen sections of such tumors showed strong staining with antikeratins antibodies, but no detectable staining with antivimentin antibodies. These results demonstrated a differential expression of intermediate filament type in cells at different stages of neoplastic progression and in cells maintained in different growth environments. It is apparent that the expression of intermediate filaments throughout neoplastic progression is best studied by use of an in vivo model system in parallel with culture studies.

Influence of zinc on iron uptake by monolayer cultures of rat hepatocytes and the hepatocellular ferritin

Monolayer cultures of isolated rat hepatocytes on collagen gels were used to study the effect of zinc on (a) 59Fe uptake by the hepatocytes; (b) 59Fe uptake by the hepatocellular ferritin and (c) biosynthesis of ferritin and total proteins. While deposition of iron into the cellular ferritin was inhibited by zinc in a dose-dependent manner, iron uptake by the hepatocytes was inhibited significantly only at high concentrations of zinc. Biosynthesis of total proteins or ferritin was not affected by zinc. Since only a small fraction of the cellular 65Zn was found to be associated with ferritin, it was concluded that zinc was not deposited in ferritin. Intracellular distribution of 59Fe revealed that newly accumulated iron went into an iron pool the size of which could be increased by the presence of zinc.

A noncollagenous matrix for attachment of rat hepatocytes in culture

Adult rat hepatocytes efficiently attach to intact connective tissue fibers prepared from normal rat liver; this material has been given the name of "biomatrix". The cells remain alive and differentiated for at least 4 months in culture. The liver biomatrix contains both collagen and noncollagenous glycoproteins. Heretofore, the functions of the different components of the biomatrix in facilitating cell adhesion and promoting survival and differentiation of rat hepatocytes have not been investigated. We now report on an aggregate of glycoproteins which were with dilute acetic acid from liver biomatrix and which facilitate hepatocyte adhesion to plastic dishes and collagen. One protein in the extract, with a molecular weight larger than 300,000, was selectively immunoprecipitated with an antibody prepared against the extract and immunoadsorbed to glutaraldehyde-cross-linked rat serum. The antibody did not cross-react with cold-insoluble globulin and selectively inhibited cell attachment. The protein of the molecular weight of 300,000 appears to be specific for liver, since similar extracts prepared from rat lung, kidney, and heart biomatrices did not cross-react with the antibody. Furthermore, the latter extracts did not facilitate cell attachment above values obtained with plain culture dishes. The results suggest that glycoproteins in the biomatrix, which are antigenically distinct from fibronectin, can mediate attachment of rat hepatocytes to plastic dishes and collagen.

Multiplicity of cytochrome P-450 in primary fetal hepatocytes in culture

Primary fetal rat hepatocytes in culture display different monooxygenase activities which can be induced by several chemical inducers. Until now, these hepatocytes were believed to produce only one single cytochrome P-450 species, namely the cytochrome P1-450 (or P-448). It now seems possible to induce other cytochrome P-450 species in these hepatocytes, providing that they receive an appropriate hormonal treatment. We have examined the effect of dexamethasone on the cytochrome P-450 type supporting different enzymic activities (aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, ethoxycoumarin deethylase, aldrin monooxygenase). Our results show that the presence of dexamethasone in the culture medium produces qualitative and quantitative changes in the monooxygenase-supporting cytochrome(s) P-450. For low dexamethasone concentrations (between 1 nM and 0.1 microM) a cytochrome P-450 is formed displaying biochemical and biophysical properties similar to those induced by phenobarbital in the adult rat liver. At higher concentrations (above 1 microM), similar qualitative changes are observed; but a quantitative phenomenon occurs, the (cytochrome P-450)-dependent enzymic activities being also induced. Dexamethasone also has a synergistic effect on the induction of enzymic activity by the mixture of phenobarbital plus benzanthracene. The various biochemical changes induced by dexamethasone in the fetal cell cultures parallel those observed in vivo during the perinatal period of life. The cell culture system may thus constitute an interesting model for studying the ontogenic development of liver monooxygenases.

Isozyme differentiation of aldolase and pyruvate kinase in fetal, regenerating, preneoplastic, and malignant rat hepatocytes during culture

Aldolase and pyruvate kinase isozymes were investigated in cultured hepatocytes from fetal, regenerating, and 2-acetyl-aminofluorene-fed rat liver as well as in some epithelial liver cell lines. Our results show that: (a) cell proliferation and prolonged expression of specific isozymes were found only in cultured hepatocytes from 17-day old fetuses; (b) the fetal type of pyruvate kinase expressed in regenerating and carcinogen-treated liver was temporarily lost only in cultured hepatocytes from regenerating liver; (c) the adult type of aldolase and pyruvate kinase was absent in one epithelial cell line derived from a carcinogen-treated liver and in the hepatoma tissue cell (HTC) line but was found in the Faza clone of the Reuber H35 cell line during the 50 first passages in vitro; and (d) the isozyme pattern of pyruvate kinase was always more strongly shifted than that of aldolase. The observations suggest that: (a) hepatocytes from carcinogen-treated liver exhibit the same lack of ability to proliferate in primary culture as normal adult hepatocytes; (b) adult hepatocytes can produce fetal isozymes without prior cell division; (c) pyruvate kinase is a stronger marker of dedifferentiation (retrodifferentiation) than aldolase; and (d) regulatory processes of isozyme expression are different during ontogenesis, regeneration, and hepatocarcinogenesis.

Primary culture of capillary endothelium from rat brain

To provide an in vitro system for studies of brain capillary function we developed a method for culture of brain capillary endothelial cells. Capillaries were isolated from rat brain and enzymatically treated to remove the basement membrane and contaminating pericytes. Subsequent Percoll gradient centrifugation resulted in a homogeneous population of capillary endothelial cells that attached to a collagen substrate and incorporated [3H]thymidine. Evidence for the endothelial nature of these cells was provided by the presence of Factor VIII antigen and angiotensin converting enzyme activity and by the failure of platelets to adhere to the cell surface. In addition, the cells were joined together by tight junctions. Thus, primary cultures of these cells retained both endothelial and blood-brain barrier features.

Prolactin effects on ion transport across cultured mouse mammary epithelium

Prolactin is a known osmoregulatory hormone in lower vertebrates, and recent evidence indicates that this hormone modulates ionic concentrations in milk. In an ultrastructurally and biochemically differentiated primary cell culture system in which mouse mammary epithelium is maintained on floating collagen gels, prolactin causes an increase in short-circuit current (Isc) of monolayers of cells derived from midpregnant (24.6 to 48.0 microA . cm-2) and lactating (10.4 to 16.1 microA . cm-2) glands. Transepithelial potential differences (basal side ground) average about -12 mV and are similar to those seen in vivo. Prelactating mammary epithelial cell cultures have transepithelial resistances ranging from 374 omega . cm2 (prolactin present) to 507 omega . cm2 (prolactin absent), and lactating cell cultures have resistances averaging almost 1,000 omega . cm2. Prolactin effects require at most one day of culture maintenance in prolactin-containing medium, and the effects are not due to known contamination of prolactin preparations with arginine vasopressin or growth hormone. Medium concentrations of prolactin as low as 1 ng/ml can elicit these effects. In prelactating cell cultures not treated with prolactin, the Isc is equal to the rate of sodium absorption. Prolactin increases sodium absorption fourfold but increases Isc only twofold. Clearly, prolactin induces other active transport; neither potassium nor chloride movements can account for this additional transport. Resistance values, current-voltage plots, and permeability coefficients indicate that in vitro mammary epithelium is a moderately "tight" tissue. Comparisons with intact glands indicate that in vitro mammary epithelium closely resembles its in vivo counterpart. Floating collagen gel cultures appear suitable for elucidating transport properties in cellularly heterogeneous and structurally complex mammalian tissues.

Structural response of adult rat Sertoli cells to peritubular fibroblasts in vitro

Sertoli cells were harvested from sexually mature rats and maintained in vitro for up to ten days (Sertoli cell-enriched cultures) or co-cultured with rat peritubular fibroblasts. Cultures were examined by differential light microscopy and by scanning or transmission electron microscopy. The presence of peritubular fibroblasts in co-culture greatly enhanced plating efficiency and viability of adult Sertoli cells. Sertoli cell aggregates preferentially adhered to peritubular cells, and by ten days had flattened and spread across these cells. Sertoli cells retained their characteristic ultrastructural features. Early in co-culture a collagen-like extracellular material was seen bridging Sertoli and peritubular cells, and its appearance was coincident with the presence of swollen rough endoplasmic reticulum in peritubular cells. Interperitubular cell spaces became engorged with a fibrillar material morphologically similar to the basal lamina of the seminiferous tubule wall. In the absence of peritubular cells, in culture medium "conditioned" by prior incubation with peritubular cells but not containing them, or when cultured with other fibroblastic cells, plating efficiency was low; Sertoli cells never flattened and cell ultrastructure progressively degenerated. The results indicated that peritubular cells support adult Sertoli cells in culture, possibly via extracellular material derived from peritubular cells, and suggest that Sertoli cells have an inductive effect on peritubular cell secretory activity.

Collagen gels as a matrix for haemopoiesis

We have shown that collagen gel can be used as a culture matrix for the cloning of granulocyte/macrophage progenitor cells (CFU-C), the production of foci of marrow stromal cells and the maintenance of stem cell proliferation, differentiation and the production of CFU-C. Since collagen is a physiological matrix and allows the simultaneous growth of a variety of cellular elements, the system should prove useful for examining the role of cell/cell interactions and regulatory molecules involved in haemopoiesis.

Factors affecting induction of tyrosine aminotransferase in isolated rat liver cells

1. The response of tyrosine aminotransferase activity in isolated liver cells has been studied under several conditions. 2. Activity is increased over a 5 h period by both glucagon and glucocorticoids in cells from adrenalectomized rats. The results do not support the view that glucagon action is dependent on preexposure of cells to steroid. 3. In cells from fed animals, significant stimulation is seen only when both glucagon and steroid are present together. 4. In cells from 48 h fasted rats steroid is effective, but glucagon is not significant so. 5. These anomalies are attributed to the differences in hormonal and nutritional status between the animals from which the cells are isolated.

Metabolism of 2-acetylaminofluorene in primary rat hepatocyte cultures

Primary cultures of adult rat parenchymal hepatocytes were developed as an in vitro model to investigate the biochemical fate of 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF), a potent hepatocarcinogen. More than 5 x 10(8) viable cells were routinely isolated by collagenase perfusion in rat liver; the cells were cultured 2-5 d on collagen-coated dishes in serum-free culture medium containing hormones and other factors to retard the decline of cytochrome P-450. All of 137 ng or 13.7 microgram AAF was metabolized in 21-24 h by 2 x 10(6) cultured hepatocytes in 4.0 ml defined medium. At the higher dose, water-soluble metabolites appeared at 70% of the rate of metabolism at the lower dose, which was 17 ng/h for the initial 4 h. As the parent compound was consumed, bound AAF residues were recovered with exhaustively extracted, trichloro-acetic acid-precipitated hepatocellular macromolecules, accounting for a maximum of 5% of the 137-ng dose. Addition of hormones to the culture medium stimulated the rate of appearance of water-soluble metabolites, AAF, correlating with the enhanced cytochrome P-450 levels of hormone-treated cells. Metabolism of AAF was diminished 50% during 3 h of incubation with 10(-4) M SKF 525A and 100% with 10(-3) M SKF 525A. At a dose of 40 microgram AAF per 2 X 10(6) cells, only 31% of the carcinogen was recovered from the culture medium as water-soluble products after 24 h; the cells were sown to be capable of metabolizing a subsequent 40-microgram dose at an undiminished rate, suggesting that saturation of metabolizing enzymes rather than toxicity occurred. These results support the validity of primary hepatocyte cultures as a model system for quantitative investigations of the biochemical fate of AAF in mammalian cells, and provide preliminary characterization of the cells' processes of detoxification and metabolic activation of a chemical carcinogen.