Identification and localization of label-retaining cells in hamster epithelia

A subpopulation of basal epithelial cells which retains tritiated thymidine label for extended periods was previously demonstrated in skin and oral mucosae of mice. The present study examined the presence of similar cells in hamsters. Five-day-old hamsters were labeled with tritiated thymidine and the rate at which label was diluted from the basal cells observed. A small percentage of basal cells was found to retain label for up to 69 days. The location of such label-retaining cells ( LRCs ) in the palatal epithelium and in tongue papillae was examined. Thirty and 69 days after labeling, approximately 80% of LRCs in palate were located in the proximal halves of papillae and 80% of LRCs in tongue were positioned basally with approximately 30% of such LRCs occupying positions previously suggested to be stem cell locations. The finding that slowly cycling keratinocytes are related to patterns of tissue architecture is compatible with a function of these cells as epithelial stem cells.