Terminal differentiation of hemopoietic cell clones cultured in tridimensional collagen matrix: in situ cell morphology and enzyme histochemistry analysis.

Collagen, a major component of the extracellular matrix in vivo, has been used as a tridimensional gel matrix for cultured hemopoietic clones. Its resemblance to the natural matrix produced by cells makes it ideal for studies on proliferation and differentiation of hemopoietic lineages. Every lineage, including granulocytes (basophilic, eosinophilic and neutrophilic polymorphs) monocyte-macrophages, megakaryocytes, erythroid and lymphoid lineages could be grown using a standardized collagen medium, provided that specific stimulators were added in the culture. Clones were scored on either live or fixed cultures. Compared to other gel substrates, collagen matrix proved superior for cell proliferation and maturation. Additional advantages (in situ clonal analysis by histological staining, enzyme cytochemistry), and other possibilities of the method are reported and discussed. The system offers great potential for cellular immunology, hematology and molecular biology with peculiar reference to differentiation of normal hemopoietic cells, viral transformation and leukemogenesis in vitro. These applications are reviewed.