Isolation and culture of juxtaglomerular and renomedullary interstitial cells

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the isolation and culture of juxtaglomerular and renomedullary interstitial cells. Two monolayer cell cultures having unique biologic attributes can be derived from the kidney by special techniques. The juxtaglomerular cells (JGCs) are derived from the renal cortex. The renomedullary interstitial cells (RICs) are derived from the renal medulla, especially its inner portion or renal papilla. Both cell lines exert local as well as systemic effects. Juxtaglomerular cells were isolated from the kidneys of neonatal rats belonging to an inbred rat strain (Wistar/GM). The hypertension induced by cultured JGCs constitutes a unique model of experimental hypertension. It offers possibilities in attempts to dissect out the role of the renin-angiotensin system in initiating and maintaining the hypertensive state. Transplants of fragmented renal medulla were used originally to prevent the hypertensive state. The concentration of RICs within these transplants makes them the source of the RIC monolayer cell culture.