Comparison of two different methods for rat adrenocortical cells culture

Abstract

Objective To investigate a novel 3-dimensional cell culture model in collagen gel, and its influence on morphology and function of adrenocortical cells. Methods Adrenocortical cells of ne-onate rats were isolated,and then cultured in self-made collagen type Ⅰ gel for 14 days. This 3-dimension-al cell culture model was compared with the classic plane culture model on the morphology, cell growth rate,protein expression and secretory functions. Results Adrenocortical cells expressed specific cyto-chrome P450 :CYP11 B1 and CYP11 B2 under both culture models. At the 8th day after primary culture,the growth rate of adrenocortical cells in 3-dimensional cell culture model was higher than the classic plane culture model significantly. At the 14th day, the growth rate in 3-dimensional cell culture model and the classic plane culture model was 16.6% and 2.9% respectively. The secretory functions of adrenocortical cells were more sustainable in 3-dimensional collagen gel. At the 14th day, corticosterone and aldosterone levels in the medium of 3-dimensional cell culture model were (278.33 ± 38.20) μg/L and (133.85 ±38.20) ng/L,while those were (160.35±28.12) μg/L and (74.03 ± 12.12) ng/L in the medium of plane euhure model, with the differences being statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05). Conclusion Three-dimensional culture in collagen gel is favorable for the maintenance of adrenocortical ceils functions. Key words: Collagen Type Ⅰ ; Adrenocortical cells; Culture