A simplified method for culture of oral epithelial cells.

In order to facilitate studies on oral mucosa a simplified method for the culture of oral epithelial cells from adult hamsters was developed. Cheek pouches were excised and epithelial cells isolated by collagenase digestion. These were grown in CM-V medium containing spermine in order to inhibit overgrowth of the epithelial cells by fibroblasts. The epithelial cells were subcultured by routine tissue culture procedures. The cells isolated were examined by light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Morphologically the cells were typical of epithelial cells. Ultrastructural examination showed structures typical of epithelia including filaments, keratohyalin granules and desmosomal junctions. The culture system provides epithelial cells that can be used for a variety of biochemical and morphological studies.