LIVING EPITHELIAL-MESENCHYMAL COMPOUNDS FORMED IN-VITRO SUITABLE FOR AUTOGRAFTING

Three different, human epithelial-mesenchymal compounds (EMC) were gen erated in vitro for prospective grafting in epithelial defects. All co mpounds consisted of a fibroblast-populated collagen lattice as a mese nchymal component seeded with different types of cultured epithelial c ells isolated from biopsies of healthy skin, oral mucosa and respirato ry mucosa. Maturation of the epithelial cells was enabled by the prese nce of a high calcium concentration (1.8 mM) when cultures were lifted to the air-liquid interface. Light and electron microscopy revealed m oderate differentiation of the multilayered epithelium in all compound s as well as basement membrane development at the epithelial-mesenchym al junction after 2-3 weeks. A coherent. tissue-like consistency of th e collagen lattice and the presence of a basement membrane preventing detachment of the epithelium permitted easy handling and even loose su turing of the compounds produced.