Intestinal Cells
Intestinal epithelial cells (InEpC) are involved in the digestion, absorption of nutrients and protection from bacteria and toxins found in the intestine. Enterocytes, in particular, are key cell type for drug absorption/distribution.
Drug absorption/disposition through the Enterocytes can occur in various ways
- Passive diffusion through the cell membranes of enterocytes
- Tight junctions between the enterocytes
- Influx and efflux through various drug transporters
Renal cells
A variety of primary human renal cell types are available for use in ADME-Tox applications
Renal cells in the proximal tubule (RPTEC): involved in the re-absorption of small molecules through the villi of their luminal surface.
Renal Cortical Cells (HRCE): Heterogeneous mixture of epithelial cells from the cortex of the kidney. The population will include RPTEC and distal tubule epithelial cells.
Renal Epithelial Cells (HRE): cells from the whole kidney comprised of any epithelial cells including proximal tubule, distal tubule and glomerular cells.
Mesangial Cells: Specialized Cells that work with endothelial cells and podocytesto form functional Glomerulus. Aids in filtration processes using their contractile properties
Drugs are reabsorbed/excreted through drug transporters in RPTEC cells. Interference with transporter function causes adverse effects such as drug accumulation in proximal tubules and adverse drug-drug interactions. Transporter assays using RPTEC cells are testing for:
- Whether drug is a substrate or inhibitor of drug transporters
- What is the appropriate dose and substrate size for optimal renal clearance
- How drug-drug interactions occur
Lung Cells
Bronchial epithelial cells from normal and COPD donors (ALI guaranteed) – mimicking respiratory epithelium and mucus hypersecretion are available for building ADME related model systems
- Smooth muscle cells from normal and COPD donors
- Lung fibroblasts – normal and COPD donors
- Small Airway epithelial cells from normal and COPD donors
- Pulmonary artery endothelial cells
Additionally, Air liquid interface models can be developed using primary cells in RAFT 3D culture technology.