Quantification of dome formation by image analysis in LLC-PK1 renal cells: A sensitive method for the assessment of in vitro nephrotoxicity

Summary: A procedure is described for measuring dome morphologic parameters of LLC-PK₁ cells in culture. The method is based on an automated image analysis system directly connected to a stereomicroscope, combined with a stable staining technique of domes. Using well-defined and standardized culture conditions, and taking full advantage of video image potential, we have studied dome evolution during 7 days in culture. Moreover, after measuring the total surface of domes and the number of domes after a treatment by cisplatin, a well-known nephrotoxic agent, we found a dose-dependent decrease in both parameters. The total surface of dome formation seemed to be the most relevant end-point for the estimation of chemical effects. These results point out the interest of this method for cytotoxicity studies on the epithelial renal cell line LLC-PK₁ in relation to xenobiotics nephrotoxicity potential.