Tissue dissociation with proteolytic enzymes: Adsorption and activity of enzymes at the cell surface

Abstract

Proteolytic enzymes used to dissociate kidney tissue have been shown to adsorb to cell surfaces and persist in an active form for as long as tweny-four hours afterwards. The adsorption and activity of pronase and trypsin at the surfaces of freshly dispersed dog kidney cells was demonstrated by ellipsometry. The effect of various cell washing procedures on desorption of the enzymes and the inhibitory effects of serum on enzyme activity were investigated. Proteolytic enzymes adsorbed to the cell surface were found to prevent the formation of the glycoprotein cell coat material at the surface and so interfere with the attachment, spreading and growth of cells on glass. The possible mechanisms underlying the cell injury and death accompanying enzyme adsorption to the cell surface were discussed.