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  • Title: Monolayers of human alveolar epithelial cells in primary culture for pulmonary absorption and transport studies.
    Author: Elbert KJ, Schäfer UF, Schäfers HJ, Kim KJ, Lee VH, Lehr CM.
    Journal: Pharm Res; 1999 May; 16(5):601-8. PubMed ID: 10349999.
    Abstract:
    PURPOSE: To develop a cell culture model of human alveolar epithelial cells in primary culture for the in vitro study of pulmonary absorption and transport. METHODS: Type II pneumocytes isolated from normal human distal lung tissue by enzyme treatment and subsequent purification were plated on fibronectin/collagen coated polyester filter inserts, and cultured using a low-serum growth medium. Characterization of the cell culture was achieved by bioelectric measurements, cell-specific lectin binding, immunohistochemical detection of cell junctions, and by assessment of transepithelial transport of dextrans of varying molecular weights. RESULTS: In culture, the isolated cells spread into confluent monolayers, exhibiting peak transepithelial resistance of 2,180 +/- 62 ohms x cm2 and potential difference of 13.5 +/- 1.0 mV (n = 30-48), and developing tight junctions as well as desmosomes. As assessed by lectin-binding, the cell monolayers consisted of mainly type I cells with some interspersed type II cells, thus well mimicking the situation in vivo. The permeability of hydrophilic macromolecular FITC-dextrans across the cell monolayer was found to be inversely related to their molecular size, with Papp values ranging from 1.7 to 0.2 x 10(-8) cm/sec. CONCLUSIONS: A primary cell culture model of human alveolar epithelial cells has been established, which appears to be a valuable in vitro model for pulmonary drug delivery and transport studies.
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