Ion contents and other properties of isolated cells from dog tracheal epithelium

We have developed a preparation of isolated cells from dog tracheal mucosa. The three major cell types of the intact epithelium (ciliated, secretory, and basal) are present in approximately the same proportions as in the intact tissue. These cells show high viability as judged by exclusion of vital dyes, high O2 consumption, and incorporation of amino acids into protein. The intracellular ion contents (in mmol/l cell H2O) are [K]i, 150; [Na]i, 20; and [Cl]i, 50. Ouabain (10(-4) M) causes a rise in [Na]i and a reciprocal loss of intracellular K.