Transport systems for polyamines in the established renal cell line LLC-PK. Polarized expression of an Na(+)-dependent transporter.

We present evidence for the existence of an Na(+)-dependent transporter and an Na(+)-independent transporter for polyamines in LLC-PK1 cells. Both transporters could be discriminated by their sensitivity to inhibitors, particularly rho-chloromercuriphenyl sulphate and various polycationic molecules. By using cell monolayers grown on a permeable filter support, we have found that the Na(+)-dependent polyamine uptake occurred preferentially from the basolateral side. The Na(+)-independent uptake, on the other hand, occurred to the same extent from either the apical or the basolateral side.