Selective growth of epithelial basal cells from the human prostate in a three dimensional organ colture.

Abstract BACKGROUND A three-dimensional organotypic culture method has been developed for selectively growing epithelial basal cells from human benign prostate. METHODS Tissue fragments were cultured on sponges for several weeks and the viability of luminal and basal epithelium and cellular responses to 4,5-dihydrotesterone (DHT) stimulation were studied. RESULTS The gland tissue could be successfully maintained showing preservation of ducts and lobules as in vivo. Without DHT, a progressive hyperplasia of basal cells was observed: these cells proliferated with retention of the lumen or forming nests with squamous differentiation, lining the surface of the fragment and migrating to the underlying sponge. In contrast, secretory cells disappeared. Epithelial cells isolated from long-term cultures showed a typical basal cell-immunophenotype. DHT-treated tissues maintained a much higher percentage of luminal cells than untreated tissues. CONCLUSIONS These systems allow the study of proliferation and differentiation of basal cells within their natural microenvironment as well as prostate pathobiology.