Human trophoblast cells cultured in modified medium and supported by extracellular matrix

This paper describes a culture procedure which consistently yields 80 to 90 per cent trophoblast from human first-trimester placentae. The trophoblast cells are selected and maintained but there is no increase in proliferation. The cultured cells are found to resemble extravillous rather than villous trophoblast in their immunocytochemical characteristics. This technique provides a means of obtaining human trophoblast cells with a sufficient degree of homogeneity and viability to be used for in vitro experiments.