Methods have been developed for producing functional, transporting monolayers of avian proximal tubule (PT) cells. A highly homogenous fraction of PT fragments was prepared by enzymatic digestion (collagenase + Dispase) of chick (3- to 5-day-old) kidneys, followed by Percoll gradient centrifugation. The PT fraction was enriched in glucose-6-phosphatase, a proximal enzyme marker, and reduced in specific activity of hexokinase, a distal marker. PT fragments were grown to confluence in serum-free media on collagen-coated permeable filter supports. Electron microscopy of confluent monolayers revealed numerous microvilli and mitochondria, central cilia, and tight junctions, all characteristic of PT cells. -Glutamyltranspeptidase, a proximal brush-border enzyme, showed threefold higher activity on apical than on basolateral sides of the monolayer. The electrophysiological characteristics of monolayers were investigated by voltage-clamp techniques. Monolayers displayed low transepithelial resistances (40-60  · cm²), lumen-negative potentials, and baseline currents of 6-12 µA/cm² (with or without 5 mM glucose). Both -methyl-D-glucose (2 mM), a nonmetabolizable hexose, and phenylalanine (2 mM) significantly stimulated short-circuit current when added to the mucosal side of glucose-free monolayers. Phloridzin, a specific inhibitor of Na⁺-coupled glucose transport, significantly inhibited short-circuit current, as did 10⁵ M amiloride. Monolayers also expressed net secretory transport of urate. This cell culture preparation may provide a useful working model for the study of avian PT transport.