title: An optimized protocol for handling and processing fragile acini cultured with the hanging drop technique.
abstract: The hanging drop three-dimensional culture technique allows cultivation of functional three-dimensional mammary constructs without exogenous extracellular matrix. The fragile acini are, however, difficult to preserve during processing steps for advanced microscopic investigation. We describe adaptations to the protocol for handling of hanging drop cultures to include investigation using confocal, scanning, and electron microscopy, with minimal loss of cell culture components.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, Scottsville 3209, South Africa. snymanc@ukzn.ac.za
authors.forename: Celia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Snyman
authors.forename: Edith
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Elliott
mesh_terms: D061354:Acinar Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D002460:Cell Line; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal