Evaluation of water and electrolyte transport of tubular epithelial cells under osmotic and hydraulic pressure for development of bioartificial tubules

Our aim was to develop bioartificial tubules using tubular epithelial cells and artificial membranes and evaluate the function of water and electrolyt e transport by various tubular epithelial cells. The cells were cultivated onto extracellular matrix (ProNectin F) coating polycarbonate membrane. Wat er transport from the apical to the basolateral site of cells was examined using a modified Ussing chamber module. Water transport under colloidal osm otic pressure on the apical site and hydraulic pressure on the basolateral site were higher in JTC-12, LLC-PK1 cells than in MDCK cells. Water transpo rt under osmotic plus hydraulic pressure was highest in LLC-PK1 cells. We m ade bioartificial tubules using LLC-PK1 cells and polysulfone hollow fiber cartridges. Water and Na ion transport function was high, and BUN and creat inine passage was recognized in these bioartificial tubules. BUN and creati nine concentrations of reabsorption fluid in these bioartificial tubules we re significantly lower than those concentrations of control media and of no ncell attached polysulfone hollow fiber cartridges. Though LLC-PK1 cells we re more preferable cells for the use of bioartificial tubules in terms of w ater and electrolyte transport, the passage of BUN and creatinine was not a ppropriate for clinical use. To select more preferable cells for bioartific ial tubules which transport water and electrolytes and do not induce passag e of uremic toxins is necessary.