Method for the growth of equine airway epithelial cells in culture

A serum-free cell culture method was developed for equine tracheal epithelial cells which allowed the growth and characterisation of the phenotypical properties of this cell type. Several variables influenced the efficacy of the attachment and growth of the isolated cells. Serum and a collagen matrix were essential components for efficient cell attachment. Once attachment had occurred, cell growth was enhanced by a serum-free medium containing bovine pituitary extract, retinoic acid, insulin, hydrocortisone, transferrin, epidermal growth factor, adrenaline and triiodothyronine. The mean time taken for the cells to grow to confluency varied from 12.6 to 28.0 days, depending on the medium used. Collagen matrix was essential to aid the proliferation of the cells.