Growth requirements of human cervical epithelial cells in culture.

Diploid cells derived from the portio surface of the cervix uteri of adult women can be grown in culture, from single cells. Ultrastructurally the colonies of growing cells show the features of stratified squamous epithelium and exhibit some of the differentiated characteristics of this epithelium in vivo. The successful serial cultivation of cervical epithelial cells, HCE, depends upon the presence of a non-dividing fibroblast feeder layer which provides both attachment and growth factors for epithelial cells. Lethally irradiated Wi-38, cervical fibroblasts or mouse fibroblast lines are all effective in promoting HCE colony formation and growth. Hydrocortisone and epidermal growth factor increase HCE colony size in the presence of a feeder cell layer. Culture lifetime was studied in five strains and ranged from 20-38 population doublings, with cells from older patients exhibiting a shorter culture life-time.