Histogenetic capacity of rat and mouse embryonic shields cultivatedin vitro.

The organ culture technique was used for the study of early cytodifferentiation in explanted rat and mouse embryonic shields. After 15 daysin vitro the main tissues were differentiated in explants. The full differentiation depended on the presence of homologous serum in the culture medium. 95% oxygen in the atmosphere was either deleterious or without measurable effect if introduced from the beginning or toward the end of the cultivation period, respectively. Some chemically defined media supported the development for only a limited time span during the initial period of cultivation.