This volume presents 30 state-of-the-art protocols and reviews to set up and apply primary hepatocyte cultures for research and screening purposes. The first part of the book focuses on the use of these particular liver-based in vitro models to study the different aspects of the hepatocyte life cycle, including cell growth, differentiation and cell death. The second part of the book is targeted towards the demonstration of the applicability of primary hepatocyte cultures, or liver-based in vitro models derived thereof, for functionality and toxicity testing. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Protocols In In-Vitro Hepatocyte Research is intended for basic and applied researchers in the area of pharmacology and toxicology, both in academic and industrial settings.

Presenting state-of-the-art protocols to study gap junctions, this detailed book first focuses on the use of methods and tools to investigate the different aspects of connexin expression and gap junction regulation. The second part of the volume describes several methods to probe gap junction functionality as such. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Gap Junction Protocols is intended for basic and applied researchers in the area of biomedical and life sciences, both in academic and industrial settings.

This detailed book provides a state-of-the-art compilation of protocols relevant for the experimental study of cholestasis, each written by internationally recognized research teams that have built up long-standing expertise regarding one or more aspects of experimental cholestasis research. The first half of the collection examines methods targeted towards studying established and new mechanisms of cholestasis, while the second half explores experimental models and tools to investigate mechanisms of cholestasis and/or to predict cholestatic properties of drugs. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Experimental Cholestasis Research serves as an ideal guide for basic and applied researchers pursuing this vital area of research in pharmacology and toxicology.

Presenting state-of-the-art protocols to study gap junctions, this detailed book first focuses on the use of methods and tools to investigate the different aspects of connexin expression and gap junction regulation. The second part of the volume describes several methods to probe gap junction functionality as such. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Gap Junction Protocols is intended for basic and applied researchers in the area of biomedical and life sciences, both in academic and industrial settings.

This volume presents 30 state-of-the-art protocols and reviews to set up and apply primary hepatocyte cultures for research and screening purposes. The first part of the book focuses on the use of these particular liver-based in vitro models to study the different aspects of the hepatocyte life cycle, including cell growth, differentiation and cell death. The second part of the book is targeted towards the demonstration of the applicability of primary hepatocyte cultures, or liver-based in vitro models derived thereof, for functionality and toxicity testing. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Protocols In In-Vitro Hepatocyte Research is intended for basic and applied researchers in the area of pharmacology and toxicology, both in academic and industrial settings.