Cell transplantation: A tool to study adrenocortical cell biology, physiology, and senescence

We have established a mouse model for the growth and function of bovine and human adrenocortical cells in immunodeficient animals. We used the techniq ue of cell transplantation, in which dispersed cells are introduced into an appropriate host in vivo to form a functional tissue. The ability to regen erate vascularized tissue, of normal histology and ultrastructure, is an in herent property of transplanted adrenocortical cells. Steroids secreted by the transplants replace the essential functions of the animals' own adrenal glands. Successful methods of transplantation described here have in commo n that the adrenocortical cells are permitted to aggregate in a space or ma trix that provides adequate extracellular fluid and appropriate nutrients a nd oxygen. The present experiments show the potential of cell transplantati on as a tool for the investigation of adrenocortical cell biology, molecula r biology and physiology. The complete potential of the system will become apparent as new uses of the technique are devised, particularly with respec t to human adrenocortical cells and to genetically modified cells.