Primary rabbit epithelial cells exposed to adrenal, gonadal, and pituitary hormones in culture.

Various studies have investigated the effects of Monkey Kidney Epithelial cells to various agents but there are few studies that are looking at other species to determine the effects these agents may have. Studying other species and their effects may provide valuable information on the differences that are seen between humans and information as to why treatment works for some and not for others. The specific objective of this study was to investigate the effects of cortisol (C), testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), estradiol (E), and Growth Hormone (G) individually and in combination on the proliferation and viability of Primary Rabbit Kidney epithelial cells in culture. In phase I: a total of 30 tubes plated with PRKEC were divided into six equal groups. In-groups 1-5, tubes were treated with physiological doses of hormones individually i.e., C, T, DHEA, E, and G respectively. Data obtained suggests that: (1) PRKEC treated with T for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours displayed a significant increase in catalase, LDH, as well as MDA, (2) PRKEC treated with DHEA for 48 hours displayed a reduction in cell proliferation (70%) and an increase in MDA, LDH, and catalase. The hormones studied affect Primary Rabbit Kidney Epithelial cell growth, function, and viability, however the data suggests that further study needs to be conducted to determine the full impact of steroids and growth agents on Kidney Epithelial cells.