Selective growth of epithelial basal cells from human prostate in a three-dimensional organ culture

BACKGROUND. A three-dimensional organotypic culture method has been developed for selectively growing epithelial basal cells from human benign prostate. METHODS. Tissue fragments were cultured on sponges for several weeks and the viability of luminal and basal epithelium and cellular responses to 4,5alpha-dihydrotesterone (DHT) stimulation were studied. RESULTS. The gland tissue could be successfully maintained showing preservation of ducts and lobules as in vivo. Without DHT, a progressive hyperplasia of basal cells was observed: these cells proliferated with retention of the lumen or forming nests with squamous differentiation, lining the surface of the fragment and migrating to the underlying sponge. In contrast, secretory cells disappeared. Epithelial cells isolated from long-term cultures showed a typical basal cell-immunophenotype. DHT-treated tissues maintained a much higher percentage of luminal cells than untreated tissues. CONCLUSIONS. These systems allow the study of proliferation and differentiation of basal cells within their natural microenvironment as well as prostate pathobiology. (C) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.