Two PC12 pheochromocytoma lines sealed in hollow fiber-based capsules tonically release L-dopa in vitro

Two PC12 cell-derived lines have been studied following encapsulation into polymer-based hollow fibers with respect to secreted catecholamines and their metabolites. Cellular encapsulation provides a chronic microperfusion environment within which basally secreted PC12 products can be readily measured. Encapsulated PC12 cells grown and held under the conditions specified in this report basally release amounts exceeding their total cellular stores of the dopamine precursor L-DOPA and the electrochemically active dopamine metabolites DOPAC and HVA during 45-min static incubations. Under these same conditions, these cells release less than 0.1% of their total cellular store of dopamine. Depolarizing incubations enhance dopamine secretion eightyfold and enhance secretion of L-DOPA, HVA, and DOPAC about twofold. The relative composition of products basally secreted differs between PC12-derived cell lines, and an inverse relationship exists between basal release of L-DOPA and total cellular store of dopamine. These results further indicate that selected PC12 cell lines are potentially a source of both dopamine and L-DOPA in therapeutic cellular replacement applications.