A method for studying cholesteatomas in vivo, with special attention to epithelial-mesenchymal interaction

A model for studying human cholesteatomas in vivo in the immunodeficient 'nude' mouse is described. Transplanted cholesteatoma membrane from 13 patients showed in 10 marked and fast growth in 14-21 days, whereas 3 showed necrosis. findings of cystic lesions lined by a thin stratified keratinizing epithelium were frequent and in contrast with transplanted jaw keratocyst the connective tissue reaction was weak. This experimental system may be useful for further studies of factors of importance for the regulation of differentiation and growth of middle ear mucosal epithelium.