title: Initiation and characterization of primary mouse kidney epithelial cultures.
abstract: Primary cultures of murine renal epithelial cells were established from a preparation of proximal tubule fragments. Confluent cultures exhibited multiple dome formation, indicating the presence of tight junctions and an intact transcellular transport process. Ultrastructural analysis revealed a monolayer of polarized cells, with a sparse but clearly defined microvillar surface facing the growth medium and a basolateral surface attached to the substratum. Cultures grown on collagen gels did not show domes. The epithelial monolayer exhibited several differentiated functions of the proximal tubule: a) parathyroid hormone (PTH)-stimulated cAMP synthesis; b) production of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 from 25-hydroxyvitamin D3; c) high alkaline phosphatase activity; and d) Na+-dependent transport of phosphate (Pi) and alpha-methylglucoside (alpha-MG). The sugar uptake was selectively inhibited by phlorizin, a competitive inhibitor of glucose uptake at the luminal membrane. Kinetic analysis revealed independent transport systems for Pi and alpha-MG, with Km values corresponding to the high affinity systems identified in brush border membrane vesicles derived from the proximal tubule. Pi uptake by the epithelial monolayers was regulated by the concentration of Pi in the growth medium. Phorbol esters and PTH did not exert an effect on Pi and alpha-MG transport in mouse primary cultures. The present study demonstrates that primary cultures provide a useful in vitro preparation to investigate renal proximal tubular function.
authors.affiliation: MRC Genetics Group, McGill University-Montreal Children's Hospital Research Institute, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Tenenhouse
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Scriver
mesh_terms: D015650:24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport / Q000187:drug effects; D002112:Calcifediol / Q000378:metabolism; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004100:Dihydroxycholecalciferols / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000502:physiology; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D007668:Kidney / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007687:Kidney Tubules, Proximal / Q000502:physiology; D007700:Kinetics; D008757:Methylglucosides / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008871:Microvilli / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology; D010695:Phlorhizin / Q000494:pharmacology; D010710:Phosphates / Q000378:metabolism; D012964:Sodium / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D004100:Dihydroxycholecalciferols; D008757:Methylglucosides; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone; D010710:Phosphates; D015650:24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3; C027020:methylglucoside; D012964:Sodium; D010695:Phlorhizin; D000242:Cyclic AMP; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D002112:Calcifediol