A characterization of haem uptake and intracellular distribution by isolated hepatocytes

The uptake and intracellular distribution of haem by isolated rat hepatocyte suspensions was studied. An increase in cell haem content occurred after a challenge with 5, 10 or 20 microM haem, supplied as methaemalbumin. The rate of haem uptake was temperature dependent; no non-specific binding occurred. Intracellular haem distribution data are consistent with a rapid association of haem with the endoplasmic reticulum fraction prior to its accumulation in the cytosol and at the mitochondrion.