Ultrastructural characteristics of "aging" of human prostate cells in monolayer cell culture.

Monolayer tissue culture cells from benign nodular hyperplasia of the prostate transferred at 1-2 weeks intervals were examined under the electron microscope after the 3rd, 9th, and 10th transfers. Changes seen after 9 to 10 transfers were interpreted as an "aging process" and consisted of the presence of lysosomes of various types and variations in the mitochondria profile. These changes were described in detail and illustrated and compared to the ultrastructural appearance of monolayer cell cultures in the early transfer stage.