Basic drugs physiological effects

Over the last decades, cell and tissue cultures of renal epithelial cells have become powerful tools to study basic renal physiological functions, including transport, metabolism, and the effects of external stimuli such as oxygen tension, nutrition, hormones, and xenobiotics. Indeed, cultured renal tubular epithelial cells were one of the first cells utilized for investigating drug-induced injury. In this chapter, we describe the methods used to isolate different types of renal cells, aspects of primary cell culture, and tools to immortalize primary cells. We summarize the desired characteristics of various renal cell types and review the most widely used. Finally, we address important aspects of renal cell culture. 

Basic drugs elicit a variety of physiological effects. Stimulants such as methamphetamine can act as haUudnogens at higher doses, while the opiate alkaloids are analgesic and promote general depression of the central nervous system. Many natural products, such as cocoa leaves, peyote, and khat leaves, have been used for hundreds of years. Some— for example, LSD and mescaline— are associated with religious explorations or celebrations. 

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