Spontaneous 51Cr release by isolated rat hepatocytes: an indicator of membrane damage.

Radiochromium uptake and release by isolated rat hepatocytes in suspension was monitored under continuous-labeling conditions. Cell protein remained unchanged during the absorption phase, whereas the release of 51Cr correlated well with the loss of cell viability and release of cytoplasmic protein. The results suggest that under equilibrium conditions, 51Cr release represents an efflux of label from damaged or dying preparations and not an elution of radioisotope from intact cells.