An improved method to obtain highly differentiated monolayers of human bronchial epithelial cells

Electrophysiological studies of human bronchial epithelial cells in vitro are limited by the scarcity of biological material available for primary culture. To overcome this problem, we set up a protocol in which the cell number is first enlarged in LHC9/RPMI 1640 serum-free medium for up to six passages, each passage giving a four- to eightfold amplification. The cells are then plated at high density on permeable supports. Cell differentiation, monitored by measuring transepithelial potential difference (PD) and electrical resistance (R), is induced with a medium containing serum and a cocktail of different supplements and hormones. Maximal values of PD and R, obtained after 4-7 d of culture on permeable supports, are around -50 mV and 3000-4000 omega/cm2, respectively. Ussing chamber experiments show that basal short-circuit current (Isc) is partially inhibited by the epithelial Na+ channel blocker amiloride. Stimulation with a cAMP-elevating agent induces a Isc increase that is inhibited by the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) blocker glibenclamide. Our culture protocol provides a large number of differentiated bronchial epithelial cell monolayers starting from a low amount of material. This characteristic is useful for in vitro studies of ion transport in airway epithelium.