Human atherosclerotic plaque cells and leiomyoma cells. Comparison of in vitro growth characteristics.

Cells derived from human atherosclerotic plaques and from arterial media were compared with cells obtained from human leiomyomata and myometrium with respect to growth behavior in long-term cell culture. None of numerous variations in culture media, including alterations of serum concentration and source, improved the rate of cell multiplication or in vitro longevity. Both uterine cell types, but neither arterial cell type, multiplied after tissue dissociation with enzymes (elastase, collagenase, hyaluronidase). The replicative life-span of each of eight samples of arterial plaque cells was equal to or less than that of the corresponding medial cells. A similar relationship was observed for eight paired sets of leiomyoma and myometrial cells. The results indicate that, under the conditions of culture in vitro, cells of a bona fide smooth muscle tumor have a finite replicative life-span and smooth muscle cells of atherosclerotic plaques behave in a similar manner.