Method of growing vaginal mucosal cells on a collagen sponge matrix. Results of preliminary studies

A method of obtaining and growing vaginal mucosal epithelial cells in culture on plastic and on a collagen sponge was developed. The results indicate that simultaneous culture of skin and vaginal epithelial cells from the same donor showed morphologically similar growth potential in culture on plastic and on a collagen sponge. Vaginal cells grown on a collagen sponge formed elongated clumps of cells similar to those observed for skin epithelial cells. The results suggest that vaginal cells grown in culture on a collagen matrix may be a suitable biomaterial for use in reconstructive surgery on women with the Rokitansky syndrome or in those who have had a malignancy.