[Method of measurement of cadmium influx by fura-2 titration in MDCK cell evidenced. Fluorescence video-microscopy study].

Cadmium influx rate in mammal kidney cells (MDCK) is analyzed using an original method based on fura-2 titration. The method relies on the high affinity of the fluorophore for the metal. It follows that the excitation spectrum shift of fura-2 can be linearly correlated to the influx rate of cadmium. Fluorescence digital imaging microscopy allows the study at single cell and intra-cellular organite levels. Results show that the cadmium uptake seems to be carrier dependent. Metal fluxes are potential independent, with a temperature effect caracterized by a Q10 of 2.3 +/- 0.2. No effect of verapamil is noticed; however, cadmium transport is inhibited by external calcium. Apparent dissociation constant for the cadmium uptake is estimated at 4.5 10(-5) M at 20 degrees C. An additional passive transmembrane diffusion process is also evidenced.