A tissue model for the study of cell proliferation in vitro.

A procedure for the cultivation of mesentery is described, in which the culture is fully representative of the tissue of origin. The intact mesenteric membrane -- exposed to a minimum of trauma -- was spread out over a hole in a filter paper strip in fluid medium and was cultivated free-hanging. Specimens from rats and guinea pigs were used. The organ culture model appears especially apt for cytochemical and proliferation studies. Proliferation variables based on Feulgen DNA analysis in individual, morphologically defined cells and on mitotic counting and radiochemical analysis were estimated. The tissue was fully viable in chemically defined growth medium and showed an almost unaltered light microscopical appearance after up to 52 hr in culture.