Abstract
This study describes some biological properties of human cheek (buccal epithelial) cells, isolated by mouth wash. Yields ranged from 6.5 to 20.6 x 10(6) cells, with a mean (+/- SE) of 12.2 +/- 4.2 x 10(6) cells, which gave 0.55 +/- 0.01 x 10(6) cells/mg protein. Vital stain exclusion was similar in cells isolated in either water (89 +/- 2%) or 250 mM sucrose (87 +/- 3%). From our measurements of cell volume and electrolyte content, we estimated intracellular Na+ and K+ concentrations to be between 0.3-0.5 and 7.4-13.0 mM, respectively. In 22 adult subjects, basal, prickle, intermediate, and superficial cells represented 0.3 +/- 1.4, 51 +/- 2.4, 26 +/- 0.9, and 22.7 +/- 1.8%, respectively, of the total sample. Cheek cells exhibited a low endogenous rate of oxygen consumption, which was stimulated by glucose or succinate and inhibited by KCN or NaF. Cheek cells were osmotically stable in a wide range of media, including water. However, they exhibited shrinkage and collapse in hypertonic media, particularly polyethylene glycol.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
