Cell culture and its application. Culture systems of normal human epithelial cells and their potential applications in cancer research
Masui, T.
Gan to Kagaku Ryoho. Cancer and ChemoTherapy 19(6): 921-926
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0385-0684 PMID: 1605672 Document Number: 397486
In cancer research, it is essential to understand the differences of normal and carcinoma cells. To date there are not many studies of normal human epithelial cells because of difficulties in obtaining human materials and culturing them. After Peehl and Ham developed a low calcium medium which does not require feeder cells, the culture of normal human epithelial cells became relatively easy. In this paper, I will describe and compare different culture methods for normal human epithelial cells (mainly keratinocyte culture systems). We also present establishment processes of normal human ectocervical epithelial cell culture system that is dramatically improved by a combination of serum supplemented high-calcium and serum-free low-calcium media according to changes of a physiological state of the cells by passages. This suggest that we have to be aware of changes of cells in responses and use them in developing culture systems. I will also describe a study of mouse epidermal keratinocyte culture system and discuss the use of normal human epithelial cell system in screening potential chemotherapy reagents. In the study normal epithelial cells inhibit growth of initiated cells and this inhibition can be modified by tumor promoters and their inhibitors.