Fine structure of chemosensitive cells (glomus caroticum) in tissue culture

Cells of the carotid body of both embryonic and 1 to 2-d-old rabbits were cultured in monolayer in primary tissue culture. The cells grew in their original association of type I and type II cells. The fine structure of both cell types was similar to that in vivo. Even after one week in culture their morphological characteristics, such as the dense-cored vesicles, were preserved. The prolonged synthesis of catecholamines in culture and the formation of new granular vesicles is discussed.