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Electron microscopic study of cultured cells from the murine hair tissues: cell growth and differentiation
1Fundamental Research Laboratory, Sunstar Inc., Takatsuki, Japan.
Abstract:
The cultured hair cells from 4-day-old C3H mice were studied by electron microscopy. The hair roots isolated from the skin by collagenase digestion were dispersed into a cell suspension by treatment with a mixture of trypsin and ethylenediaminetetraacetate. The cells were cultured in MCDB-153 (a medium containing seven growth factors) for 1, 3, 6 or 13 days. The number of cultured cells on day 3 was twice that on day 1, and stayed at the same level until day 13. By electron microscopy, some of the cells cultured for 1 day were seen to be undifferentiated and others already showed differentiation into various hair structures. Such differentiated cells disappeared on day 3 and most of the cells cultured for 3 days were undifferentiated. Cell cultured for 6 days were differentiated showing inner root sheath cell, hair cortical cell and medulla cell structures. The characteristics of these cultured cells corresponded well to those of in vivo cells of the hair tissues from the back skin of 7-day-old C3H mice. On day 13 degeneration occurred in the cultured cells. In none of these cultures were mesenchymal cells, such as fibroblasts, found. The present electron microscopic study reveals that immature cells obtained from mouse hair tissues proliferate in vitro and differentiate into several subpopulations corresponding to those of in vivo cell layers of hair tissues. The present culture technique may be useful for studies of hair cell growth and differentiation.
Insights
Cultured mouse hair cells proliferate and differentiate into various cell types in vitro. This technique offers a valuable model for studying hair cell growth and differentiation in laboratory settings.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Dermatology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Hair follicle biology is complex, involving intricate cellular differentiation processes.
- Understanding in vitro hair cell behavior is crucial for regenerative medicine and drug development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the proliferation and differentiation potential of cultured mouse hair cells.
- To establish a reliable in vitro model for hair tissue development.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and culture of hair root cells from C3H mice.
- Use of MCDB-153 medium with growth factors for cell culture.
- Electron microscopy to analyze cell morphology and differentiation stages at various time points (1, 3, 6, 13 days).
Main Results:
- Cultured cells proliferated significantly by day 3 and maintained cell numbers until day 13.
- Initial cultures showed a mix of undifferentiated and differentiating cells; by day 3, cells were predominantly undifferentiated.
- By day 6, cells exhibited differentiation into inner root sheath, hair cortical, and medulla cell structures, mirroring in vivo hair tissue.
- No mesenchymal cells like fibroblasts were observed in cultures.
- Cell degeneration was noted by day 13.
Conclusions:
- Immature mouse hair cells can proliferate and differentiate in vitro into subpopulations resembling in vivo hair tissue layers.
- The established culture technique is a promising tool for future research on hair cell biology and differentiation mechanisms.