Mouse teratomas and embryoid bodies: their induction and differentiation.

Teratomas were induced by the transfer of mouse blastocysts (C3H and 129/J strains) and egg-cylinders (C3H) to extra-uterine sites. C3H and 129/J blastocysts cultured in vitro for 4 or 5 days could also form teratomas in extra-uterine sites. Four transplantable teratomas, or teratocarcinomas, were derived from C3H embryos; embryoid bodies were derived from each line. The differentiative capacity of a teratocarcinoma was shown to be similar whether it was maintained as a solid tumour or as embryoid bodies.