[Precision-cut tissue sections--an important system for study of metabolism in vitro]

Tissue slices represent a useful in vitro method for metabolic, pharmacologic and toxicologic studies. To their major advantage belong preserved cell to cell interactions, architecture and complexity of the tissue. They enable to reduce the number of laboratory animals, that are necessary for research purposes. Tissue slices are more similar to in vivo situation than other in vitro models such as microsomes, cell suspensions or cell cultures. Slices can be cultured up to 72 hours or even more. Preparation of the slices is rapid and easy. Slices can be prepared from any organ. There is a possibility of cross-species comparison, co-culturing of slices derived from different organs. Excess of the material can be cryopreserved for later studies.