Summary
Explants of a myxopapillary ependymoma were grown on collagen-coated coverslips and in organ culture systems using gelfoam sponge matrices and Millipore filter platforms. The tumor cultured on collagen-coated coverslips initially exhibited the cytologic features of simple uni- and bipolar glial cells and later developed an epithelial-like pattern. Delicate branching of argyrophilic cell processes was demonstrated in Bodian preparations. In organ cultures, the tumor architecture was well preserved for approximately 4 weeks, and mitotic figures were present. Invasion of the sponge foam matrix was seen. Later cultures demonstrated progressive perivascular sclerosis and hyalinization. By electron microscopy, the tumor cells in organ culture systems retained the major fine structural characteristics of the original neoplasm up to 27 daysin vitro. The most striking feature in the late stages was the extensive increase and reduplication of basement membrane material, which appeared related to the increase of collagen fibrils in the extracellular space.
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Supported by research grants from the Damon Runyon Memorial Fund for Cancer Research, Inc. (# DRG 1092), the National Cancer Institute (# CA 11689), and by Graduate Neuropathology Training Grant (# 5 T01 NS 5500-08) of the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, U. S. Public Health Service.
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Rawlinson, D.G., Rubinstein, L.J. & Herman, M.M. In vitro characteristics of a myxopapillary ependymoma of the filum terminale maintained in tissue and organ culture systems. Acta Neuropathol 27, 185–200 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00687629
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00687629