[Isolation and identification of smooth muscle cells from pulmonary artery in rats]

To explore the method of isolating acutely the smooth muscle cells from pulmonary artery in rats, small pulmonary arteries (700-200 microns, ID) were dissected free of connective tissue and were allowed to digest in a N-2-hydroxyethyl-piperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid(HEPES)-buffered physiological saline solution (HPSS) containing collagenase, papain and bovine serum albumin. The tissue was then triturated to disperse smooth muscle cells. The isolated cells in suspension were identified and photographed with film on electron microscope (EM). We succeeded in isolating the single smooth muscle cell, which appeared compressed typically. 90% cells in suspension were identified smooth muscle cells on EM. We conclude that the method for isolation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells is simple, stable and effective and is recommanded for use.