Stimulated secretion of esterified lipids and VLDL by perifused hepatocytes

This report describes a new method for investigation of hepatic metabolism by perifusion of medium through a batch of hepatocytes isolated from fed rats. Oxygenated medium flows by gravity through a hepatocyte-containing glass column that is immersed in 37 degrees C water bath. The effluent medium is then collected in consecutive aliquots in test tubes on ice. The pattern of export of esterified lipids, glucose, and VLDL by isolated liver cells into the perifusate was examined under both basal conditions and response to the infusion of certain metabolic stimulants. Perifusion of medium containing sodium clofibrate (1 mM and 10 mM levels) through lipid-prelabeled cells augmented the secretion of radioactive triacylglycerols that reached a maximal rate by about 30 min after exposure to this agent. Measurement of effluent glucose levels after perifusion of hepatocytes with media lacking glucose but containing a gluconeogenic precursor revealed steadily declining concentrations despite the addition of glucagon or epinephrine. Concomitantly, glycogen granules disappeared from the cytoplasm, but the cells retained intact ultrastructure after the course of perifusion. Protein-prelabeled hepatocytes released labeled VLDL into the perifusate, and this release was enhanced by prolonged exposure of the cells to medium containing palmitate (0.80 mM). The hepatocyte perifusion system thus offers a simple, reproducible method whereby hepatocellular secretory processes can be sequentially examined under carefully controlled basal and stimulated conditions.