[Growth behavior of amnion cell cultures]

Both amniotic fluid samples and amniotic fluid cell cultures of a total of 52 patients were evaluated. At 15 to 16 weeks' gestation there are 2.2 X 10(4) cells/ml amniotic fluid increasing significantly to 3.7 X 10(4) cells/ml at 19 to 20 weeks' gestation. The percentage of viable cells is about 18. After 10 d of culture 14.4 +/- 8.2 cell colonies/culture flask are developed consisting of 61% AF-cells, 33% E-cells and 6% F-cells. After 14 d of culture 60 +/- 32 metaphases/cell culture flask were found. At the 10th day of culture 80% of cell colonies are already present indicating that reduced duration of culture appears possible. Therefore the interval to diagnosis can be shortened and a possible interruption of pregnancy can be earlier done under reduced risks.