Model of human epidermis reconstructed in vitro with keratinocytes and melanocytes on dead de-epidermized human dermis.
BACKGROUND
Recent progress in the field of epithelial culture techniques has allowed the development of culture systems in which the reconstructed epidermis presents characteristics of morphological differentiation similar to those seen in vivo. Human epidermis reconstructed in vitro may be used as the best alternative for the in vitro testing of the toxicology and efficiency of products for topical use, as well as in the treatment of skin burns and chronic skin ulcers.


OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate a method for obtaining human epidermis reconstructed in vitro, using keratinocytes and melanocytes cultivated on dead de-epidermized human dermis.


METHODS
Experimental/laboratory.


METHODS
Skin Cell Culture Laboratory of the Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.


METHODS
Human keratinocytes and melanocytes cultured in vitro were grown on a biological matrix (dead de-epidermized human dermis) and the system was kept at an air-liquid interface, in a suitable culturing medium, until a stratified human epidermis was formed, maintaining the histological characteristics of the epidermis in vivo.


RESULTS
It was histologically demonstrated that it is possible to reproduce a differentiated epidermis through keratinocytes and melanocytes cultured on dead de-epidermized human dermis, thus obtaining a correctly positioned human epidermis reconstructed in vitro with functional keratinocytes and melanocytes that is similar to in vivo epidermis.


CONCLUSIONS
It is possible to obtain a completely differentiated human epidermis reconstructed in vitro from keratinocyte and melanocyte cultures on a dead de-epidermized human dermis.
Rehder
Jussara
J
Skin Cell Culture Laboratory, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
Souto
Luís Ricardo Martinhão
LR
Issa
Cláudia Maria Bernardino Magro
CM
Puzzi
Maria Beatriz
MB
D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D020405:Dermis / Q000166:cytology*; D000078404:Epidermal Cells; D006801:Humans; D015603:Keratinocytes; D008544:Melanocytes