[In vitro cultivation of vital tissue slices: a new variation of organ culture technics].

A new modification of the organ culture technique is described. In contrast to the conventional technique in which organ pieces (1 mm3) are cultivated, uniform, viable, microscopically controlled tissue slices are used in a modified organ culture technique. The new method is suitable for in vitro culture of human mammary carcinoma. Flow cytometry measurements reveal changes prior to and after collagenase treatment of human mammary carcinomas. In organ culture the composition of cell population prior to and after 48 h could be maintained. Examination under the microscope confirmed these results. The uptake of [3H]-thymidine was greater in tumor slices than in tumor pieces. Organ cultures sufficiently represent carcinoma in vivo in comparison to the other mentioned in vitro techniques.