An investigation of the suitability of three support matrices for the culture of cells derived from the secretory alveoli of the bovine mammary gland.

The suitability of three support matrices, (thick collagen gels, aluminium oxide and cellulose ester membranes, the latter two both thinly coated with collagen) for the production of primary cultures of bovine mammary epithelial cells was investigated. Single secretory alveoli were isolated from mammary tissue of animals in early lactation by enzymatic digestion and differential filtration. Cell growth was monitored by light and scanning electron microscopy. The cellulose ester membrane was found to give the best results, allowing growth of monolayers with a morphology closely resembling that of the natural epithelium of the gland. There were low levels of fibroblast contamination, and the membranes could be easily manipulated for further studies.