CULTURE OF ISOLATED ADIPOSE TISSUE CELLS

Abstract

This paper reviews methods used to culture cells isolated from adipose tissue. A procedure for digestion of adipose tissue is described along with methods for culturing the preadipocytes containing stromal cell fraction and the isolated mature adipocytes. The adipocyte culture method described employs a collagen matrix to maintain the cells in a differentiated state. In contrast, adipocytes cultured with other methods do not survive, whereas contaminating cells grow, resulting in an apparent dedifferentiation phenomenon. A method for metabolic experiments with these cells is described. A common method for culturing the preadipocyte and stromal cell fractions is also described. The characteristics of preadipocyte development in culture are described, and a method for measuring preadipocyte proliferation rate in mixed cell type cultures is presented.

Adipocytes, Cell Culture, Methodology