Journal of Applied Physiology AJP: Cell Physiology
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J Appl Physiol 89: 2508-2517, 2000;
8750-7587/00 $5.00
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Vol. 89, Issue 6, 2508-2517, December 2000

HIGHLIGHTED TOPICS
Cellular Responses to Mechanical Stress
Selected Contribution: A three-dimensional model for assessment of in vitro toxicity in Balaena mysticetus renal tissue

T. J. Goodwin1, L. Coate-Li2, R. M. Linnehan3, and T. G. Hammond4

1 Cellular Biotechnology Program, Flight Definition/Cell Biology, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, 2 Wyle Laboratories, Life Sciences-Systems and Services, and 3 Flight Crew Operations, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas 77058; and 4 Tulane Environmental Astrobiology Center, Nephrology Section SL-45, Tulane University Medical Center and Veterans Administration Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112

This study established two- and three-dimensional renal proximal tubular cell cultures of the endangered species bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus), developed SV40-transfected cultures, and cloned the 61-amino acid open reading frame for the metallothionein protein, the primary binding site for heavy metal contamination in mammals. Microgravity research, modulations in mechanical culture conditions (modeled microgravity), and shear stress have spawned innovative approaches to understanding the dynamics of cellular interactions, gene expression, and differentiation in several cellular systems. These investigations have led to the creation of ex vivo tissue models capable of serving as physiological research analogs for three-dimensional cellular interactions. These models are enabling studies in immune function, tissue modeling for basic research, and neoplasia. Three-dimensional cellular models emulate aspects of in vivo cellular architecture and physiology and may facilitate environmental toxicological studies aimed at elucidating biological functions and responses at the cellular level. Marine mammals occupy a significant ecological niche (72% of the Earth's surface is water) in terms of the potential for information on bioaccumulation and transport of terrestrial and marine environmental toxins in high-order vertebrates. Few ex vivo models of marine mammal physiology exist in vitro to accomplish the aforementioned studies. Techniques developed in this investigation, based on previous tissue modeling successes, may serve to facilitate similar research in other marine mammals.

bowhead whale; environmental toxicology; modeled microgravity; rotating-wall vessel; physiology




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