Fine structure of cultured epithelial cells derived from voided urine of normal adults

Cultures of epithelial cells can be initiated with the sediment of voided urine of normal adults. Tightly or loosely packed colonies were formed by cells of diverse morphologic configuration. Ultrastructural studies revealed that the proliferating cells formed abundant desmosomes, imperfectly formed tight junctions and lamina densa, all typical of epithelial cells. Some cells were lined by the characteristic asymmetric unit membrane, thus confirming the urothelial derivation of the cultures. Peculiar, apparently hitherto not described multivesicular bodies, seemingly of cytoplasmic origin, were observed near the surfaces of some cells. The urinary cell culture system is a potentially useful tool for diagnostic and research purposes.