Cultures enriched in Schwann-like cells from dissociated nerve segments of the adult cat.

Methods for producing Schwann cell-rich cultures from nerve segments of the adult cat were investigated. Efficient dissociation was achieved with a combination of collagenase and trypsin. Differential attachment of elements within the resulting suspension allowed production of Schwann cell-rich cultures derived by outgrowth from slowly attaching segments of degenerating myelin sheath tube containing Schwann-like cells. Rapid trypsinization during subculture further increased the proportion of Schwann-like cells in these cultures to 90% or more.