Differentiation of keratinocytes in vitro: a new culture vessel mimicking the in vivo situation.

A culture vessel consisting of two independent chambers separated only by the growth substrate is described. Cells may be cultured on both sides of the growth substrate. Culture medium and gas exposure can independently be controlled in both compartments. Human hair follicles have been used as source of keratinocytes and the bovine eye lens capsule has been explored as growth substrate. The presence of 5% CO2 in air in the lower compartment appears to have a significant effect on the morphology of the cultures. When the cultures are being exposed to air with 5% CO2, the culture medium being applied in the lower compartment, formation of corneocytes characteristic for adult stratum corneum is induced, as evidenced by light and electron microscopy. To the knowledge of the authors, this stage of differentiation in vitro has not been obtained with previously described systems. Differentiation of the lower cell layers has been characterised with specific antibodies. The possible use of the system for applied and pure scientific research is discussed.