A METHOD FOR IN VITRO CULTIVATION OF OVARIAN AND MIDGUT CELLS FROM ADULT MOSQUITO

Primary cell cultures of the adult mosquito, Ca/ex pipiens molestus Forskal, were successfully grown in vitro. Extensive monolayers were obtained from explants of both ovarian and mid gut tissues. The principal cells of the sheet were epithelial in appearance. Fibroblast-like cells were observed in young cultures; giant cells and syncytia frequently occurred in older cultures. Serial transfer of the cells has thus far been unsuccessful.Both ovaries and midguts have been maintained in organ cultures for extended periods of time. They retain their contractibility throughout this time, and studies with neutral red indicate that most of their cells remain alive.A simple medium is presented in which fetal bovine serum is used in place of insect hemolymph. Using this medium, a rather high frequency of successful cultures can be obtained. © 1968 by the Johns Hokpins University.