Caco-2 cells are widely used for transepithelial transport and metabolism studies. We analysed the metabolites produced from quercetin (Q) during transport of this flavonoid across Caco-2 monolayers and by plastic-adhering cells. We found that the pattern of Phase II metabolic activity varies markedly depending on the particular cell clone, age of the cell culture, and stressful treatment such as freezing/thawing. Prolonged culturing and stress cause a decrease of “detoxifying” conjugating activity. This can be re-established by growing the cells with a low concentration of the transport/metabolism substrate for a few days. We suggest this metabolism-activating procedure be used to make studies with these cells more readily comparable.

Keywords:
Caco-2, Phase II metabolism, Sulfotransferase, Glucuronosyltransferase, Methyltransferase, SULT, UGT, COMT, Detoxification, Xenobiotics
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel
2009
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.