ABSTRACT
Cell isolation is perhaps the most important part of the cell experimentation process. If cell quality is bad, either the experiments do not work or the results are quirky. Although it is now possible to purchase cells from various sources, such as Cambrex and ATCC, most research groups have developed their own techniques for isolating cells from tissues, techniques that can be adapted relatively from one tissue type to another. In addition, although some prefer to use freshly isolated cells (<8 h postisolation), many are now turning to cell culture as a viable alternative to freshly dissociated cells. The following sections deal with the isolation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), particularly those from humans and rats. Generally speaking, the methods we outline can also be applied to PASMCs from other species, although some slight modifications may be required. Although this discussion is beyond the scope of the current chapter, similar techniques have also been used extensively to isolate smooth muscle cells from other vascular beds. Readers are advised to consult the extensive literature to identify the technique most applicable to their needs. There are also monographs and review articles dealing specifically with smooth muscle cell isolation that may prove invaluable to many readers (1-4).
