[31] Characterization of hormone-sensitive Madin-Darby canine kidney cells

Abstract

Cultured cells, especially the established lines, provide a continuous and homogeneous system for studying hormone action in intact cells. The cell line known as Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, derived from normal dog kidney more than 20 years ago, is ideal for this type of research, because it retains differentiated functions in culture and, in addition, responds to several hormones, including glucagon, vasopressin, β-adrenergic agonists, and prostaglandins. This chapter deals mainly with the optimal culture conditions for maintaining hormone responsiveness, the measurement of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP). The chapter also discusses the characteristics of several types of hormone sensitivity in MDCK cells and concludes that MDCK cells have been used as a model system for studying hormone regulation of kidney functions. The availability of a differentiated, hormone-responsive cell line facilitates the studies of the cascade of biochemical events subsequent to cyclic AMP elevation and its correlation with specific kidney functions.