Cell division and metabolic activity of naevus cells. The relationships between anatomy and behaviour in moles.

Thirty moles have been studied by in vitro techniques employing tritiated precursor compounds in order to demonstrate replicative and metabolic activity in naevus cells. Autoradiographs prepared from the incubated tissue showed that replicative activity occurred at all anatomical levels within the naevi. Synthesis of macro-molecules also occurred throughout the mole, but more actively in the junctional and superficial zones. The term 'Junctional Activity' does not appear to have any meaning in cell kinetic terms, and is not associated with any proliferative capacity.