Freshly isolated cells and cell lines from the intestine as an in vitro model for toxicological studies

The intestine is a crucial organ in respect of toxicity of ingested compounds, because of its extensive exposed surface area as well as its absorptive and physiological properties. Only recently has attention been paid to this organ in the investigation of pathological conditions using in vitro models. The first studies performed dealt with the metabolic capacity of isolated intestinal cells and date back to 1977. More recently, intestinal cell lines have been characterized for the presence of some activating-deactivating enzymes. Cytotoxicity studies reported in the literature predominantly concern screening of antitumoral drugs using carcinoma cell lines and investigation of the mechanisms involved. A variety of other chemicals with possible toxic effects have been studied in intestinal cells and these include food contaminants, anti-infective drugs, natural toxins and dietary compounds. However those studies are still very limited in number and represent a wide range of approaches, in spite of the fact that very interesting models of intestinal cells are now available and the technology is improving.