CULTURING OF ACOUSTIC NEUROMA - METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS

We have been able to culture acoustic neuroma (AN) tissues by taking s mall tumor pieces during surgery from the cisternal or, preferably, me atal part of the tumor where macroscopic tissue degeneration is not pr ominent. The AN pieces were transported in culture tubes to our cell l aboratory where they were sliced and transferred to culture medium. Th e AN tissue demands a crude culture suspension containing laminin. We have been successful in culturing 15 successive ANs. The cells have di fferent morphological features with characteristics of type Anthony A and B. Four main cell types were recognized: ameboid microglia-like ce lls, spindleshaped cells, racket-shaped cells, and kite-shaped cells. However, no immortal cell line could be established. Some of the cultu res were viable for up to 4 months.