Altered transmembrane ionic flux in hepatocytes isolated from cirrhotic rats

• Published in: Journal of hepatology 1999-03, Vol.30 (3), p.492-497
• Main Authors: Burczynski, Frank J, Wang, GuQi, Minuk, Gerry Y, Rosser, Barry
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Cells, Cultured; Female; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Ion Transport; Liver; Liver - metabolism; Liver - pathology; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental - metabolism; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental - pathology; Liver. Biliary tract. Portal circulation. Exocrine pancreas; Long-chain fatty acid; Medical sciences; Membrane potential; Membrane Potentials; Other diseases. Semiology; Palmitate; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Uptake
• ISSN: 0168-8278; 1600-0641
• DOI: 10.1016/S0168-8278(99)80110-X

Background/Aims: Although cirrhosis is known to be associated with many hepatocyte abnormalities, there is no well-established model to study the cellular drug uptake process independent of hemodynamic effects. The purpose of the present study was to test the following hypothesis: hepatocytes isolated from cirrhotic animals may be used as a model to study the cellular abnormalities associated with cirrhosis. Our hypothesis was tested by comparing the membrane potential (PD) of hepatocytes in anesthetized healthyand cirrhotic animals, and the PD and [ 3H]palmitic acid clearance rate of hepatocytes isolated from healthy and cirrhotic animals. Methods: Mild to moderate cirrhosis was induced in female Sprague-Dawley rats by CCl 4 administration. PD was recorded in anesthetized animals using intracellular microelectrodes. Hepatocytes from those livers were subsequently isolated by collagenase perfusion for further determinations of PD and [ 3H]palmitic acid uptake. Results: The mean (±SEM) hepatocyte PD from intact rat livers was 38±1 mV (control) and −32±1 mV (cirrhosis; n=6/group, p