Comparison of isolated cells from liver, colon, and kidney of guinea pig

Liver cells, colon epithelial cells, and kidney tubule fragments were isolated from guinea pig using methods previously employed in the rat. All three cell preparations exhibited well-preserved structure. Respiration was highest in kidney tubule fragments (25 nmol O2/mg protein X min) and was well coupled in all preparations. When cells were incubated at 37 degrees C, they accumulated K+ in a ouabain-sensitive manner. Incorporation of [3H]phenylalanine and [3H]uridine into acid-precipitable material proceeded linearly over at least 40 min. The cytochrome P-450 content (175 pmol/mg cell protein) and activity (aminopyrine demethylation) of liver cells exceeded that of the other two preparations 15- to 20-fold. The results indicate good maintenance of function in all three preparations. Because guinea pig epithelial cells exhibit some advantages over isolated cells from other species, the present preparations are well suited for comparing the cell physiology of the respective organs.