Xenobiotic-metabolizing cultured cells enzymes

Gotz C, Pfeiffer R, Tigges J, Blatz V, Jackh C et al (2012) Xenobiotic metabolism capacities of human skin in comparison with a 3D epidermis model and keratinocyte-based cell culture as in vitro alternatives for chemical testing activating enzymes (Phase I). Exp Dermatol 21 358-363... 

It also is possible to use intact ceils as a source of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes. Activation for tissue culture systems can be provided by primary rat liver cells and irradiated hamster embryo cells which are plated as a feeder layer for the indicator cells. In the case of compounds which yield a spec-... 

Human hepatocytes, for example, are considered invaluable for testing hepatotoxicity and also the activities of drug transporters and the metabolism of xenobiotics by CYP450 enzymes. At present, ready-to-use frozen homogeneous preparations of human hepatocytes are commercially available for these purposes. Since primary human liver cells rapidly lose their functional properties when cultured in vitro, their usefulness relies on repeated sourcing, which raises the clear limitation of sample consistency due to donor-donor variability (Rodriguez-Antona, 2002). 

A number of chemicals with demonstrable suppression of immune function produce this action via indirect effects. By and large, the approach that has been most frequently used to support an indirect mechanism of action is to show immune suppression after in vivo exposure but no immune suppression after in vitro exposure to relevant concentrations. One of the most often cited mechanisms for an indirect action is centered around the limited metabolic capabilities of immunocompetent cells and tissues. A number of chemicals have caused immune suppression when administered to animals but were essentially devoid of any potency when added directly to suspensions of lymphocytes and macrophages. Many of these chemicals are capable of being metabolized to reactive metabolites, including dime-thylnitrosamine, aflatoxin Bi, and carbon tetrachloride. Interestingly, a similar profile of activity (i.e., suppression after in vivo exposure but no activity after in vitro exposure) has been demonstrated with the potent immunosuppressive drug cyclophosphamide. With the exception of the PAHs, few chemicals have been demonstrated to be metabolized when added directly to immunocompetent cells in culture. A primary role for a reactive intermediate in the immune suppression by dimethylnitrosamine, aflatoxin Bi, carbon tetrachloride, and cyclophosphamide has been confirmed in studies in which these xenobiotics were incubated with suspensions of immunocompetent cells in the presence of metabolic activation systems (MASs). Examples of MASs include primary hepatocytes, liver microsomes, and liver homogenates. In most cases, confirmation of a primary role for a reactive metabolite has been provided by in vivo studies in which the metabolic capability was either enhanced or suppressed by the administration of an enzyme inducer or a metabolic inhibitor, respectively. 

Rich in both phase I (principally the cytochromes P450, catalyzing hydrolysis, reduction, and oxidation reactions) and phase II (catalyzing conjugation of xenobiotic molecules with hydrophilic moieties) biotransforming enzymes, the liver is the metabolic center of the body. In fact, most of the field of biochemistry is concerned with its metabolic reactions. The liver essentially converts ingested food into a balanced cell culture medium via metabolic interconversion of amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids and synthesizes many substances that are subsequently exported for use in other areas of... 

Proximal tubule cells in culture should have retained functional attributes such as (1) polar architecture and junctional assembly of epithelia and correct membrane distribution of enzymes and transport systems (2) vectorial transport of solutes and water, manifested by the formation of domes when cultured on solid supports [81] and the generation of transepithelial electrophysiological properties [82, 83] due to the expression of proximal tubule specific claudins 2- and 10 [84, 85] (3) cellular uptake of xenobiotics from either the apical or basolateral side, as observed in vivo and (4) expression of nephron segment-specific characteristics, i.e., distinct expression of differentiation markers, metabolic and transport properties, and hormone responsiveness. Such markers include the expression of the brush border enzymes alkaline phosphatase, leucine aminopeptidase, and y-glutamyl transferase [4, 86], In addition, proximal tubule cells should possess Na+,K+-ATPase activities, Na+-dependent glucose, and p-aminohippurate transport. Proximal tubule cells increase cAMP levels in response to parathyroid... 

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