[In vitro cell and tissue cultures as a model for studying human tumors]

An experimental in vitro or in vivo tumour model should be unchanged represent the biological properties (e.g. histology, proliferation). Changes of tumour cell populations were determined by means of DNA-distribution and multinucleation after cytochalasin B treatment. Flow cytometry measurements on cell cultures in 50 ml glass culture flasks reveal reduction of polyploid cells after collagenase treatment of human mammary carcinomas. Selection of cell populations are responsible for the failed induction of multinucleation by cytochalasin B. In organ cultures the composition of cell population prior to and after 48 hours could maintained. The improved penetration could be demonstrated by autoradiographic measurements of 3H-thymidine incorporation. Thickness, surface and improved penetration of metabolites of vital tissue slices seem to be also important for cell movement and cell division. In 10 out of 12 experiments an earlier cell migration and proliferation could be observed from vital slices than from tissue pieces. Organ cultures represent sufficiently carcinoma in vivo and are more suitable than other mentioned in vitro cell culture methods.