The aim of this study was to establish epithelial cell lines derived from defined nephron segments. Primary cultures were prepared from dissected proximal S2 segments of the rabbit kidney, and grown in monolayers. Immortalization was observed after nuclear microinjection of the cells with simian virus 40 DNA and resulted in the development of cell lines of epithelial morphology. These cell lines were maintained in culture for at least 24 passages, then cells were frozen. One of the cell lines, the RKPC-2, was selected and further characterized. RKPC-2 cells formed domes on impermeable supports, indicating fluid and solute transport. RKPC-2 cells formed continuous monolayers of low transepithelial resistance on collagen-coated filters. They were able to accumulate tetraethylammonium, an organic cation; however, no significant transcellular transport could be measured. We conclude that this cell line which shows characteristics of epithelial cells has maintained certain properties of intact proximal tubules, in particular the capacity to accumulate organic cations.