Culture and morphologic features of small intestinal mucosal explants from weaned pigs

Small intestinal explants from weaned pigs were cultured under a variety of conditions. Explants maintained villus-to-crypt ratio between 1:1 and 1.5:1 for 48 hours. The mucosal epithelium remained well preserved and retained good cellular morphologic features, as determined by light and electron microscopy. Between 48 and 72 hours, considerable mucosal degeneration was evident. Best results were obtained when the explants were cultured on a rocking platform placed in an atmosphere of 95% O2 and 5% CO2, using supplemented RPMI 1640 cell culture medium.