title: Formation of tight monolayers of guinea pig airway epithelial cells cultured in an air-interface: bioelectric properties.
abstract: In this study, we have developed an air-interface culture system in which guinea pig tracheobronchial epithelial (GPTE) cells rapidly form tight monolayers. Enzymatically isolated GPTE cells were plated on collagen-treated polycarbonate microporous cell culture inserts at a density of 10(6) cells/cm2 (day 0). Bioelectric properties of cultures grown in an air-interface were compared with those covered by medium. On day 1 for air-interface cultures, apical fluid was removed and basolateral fluid was replenished. For cultures covered by medium, varying volumes of apical fluid were used. On days 4 and 5 after plating, confluent GPTE monolayers in either liquid-covered or air-interface cultures exhibited similar monolayer resistance values > or = 1.0 kohm-cm2. However, the equivalent short-circuit current (Ieq) was significantly higher in air-interface cultures than those covered with medium on days 4 and 5. The Ieq in air-interface cultures on day 4 was 12.9 microA/cm2. These confluent GPTE cell monolayers cultured in air-interface could be a useful tool for studies of changes in bioelectric and ion transport properties in response to injury and mediators of inflammation.
authors.affiliation: Childrens Hospital, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: T W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Robison
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Dorio
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000388:Air; D000818:Animals; D001693:Biological Transport, Active; D001980:Bronchi / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004594:Electrophysiology; D004848:Epithelium / Q000502:physiology; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007365:Intercellular Junctions / Q000502:physiology; D007477:Ions; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D014132:Trachea / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D007477:Ions