Rat pleural mesothelial cells in culture

A culture system has been developed for long-term maintenance of rat pleural mesothelial cells. Mesothelial cells were isolated from the parietal pleura of rats and cultured in NCTC 109 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. The cell explants attached to the dish and formed a confluent monolayer of polygonal cells within 10 to 15 days. Subcultures were made in the same medium. The mean population doubling time was approximately 30 hr. The ultrastructure of the mesothelial cells in culture was studied by light and electron microscopy and was compared with that of cells obtained from sub-mesothelial components.