Observations of the cellular changes in cultured mouse metrial gland explants and of the maintenance of granulated metrial gland cells in vitro.

Mouse metrial gland explants were cultured for periods of up to 7 days. Granulated metrial gland cells migrated from the explants onto the culture dish substratum with a peak in numbers of emigrant cells usually found after 1-3 days of culture. Histological examination of the cultured explants showed that the central core of the explants rapidly degenerated although a viable superficial layer of tissue remained throughout the culture period. It is suggested that the degenerative changes and the emigration of many granulated metrial gland cells from the explants was a result of the large size of the explants used and consequential nutrient deprivation. Granulated metrial gland cells were found in the viable superficial layer of the explants and on their surface throughout the culture period, including day 7 of culture when few granulated metrial gland cells remained on the culture dish substratum. The retention of some granulated metrial gland cells on the surface of the explants when few remained on the culture dish substratum suggests that contact with stromal cells is important for the maintenance of granulated metrial gland cells.