International Journal of Cell Cloning, Vol 4, 341-356, Copyright © 1986 by AlphaMed Press
Characterization of the in vitro stromal microenvironment of human bone marrow
ES Strobel, RE Gay and PL Greenberg
Utilizing long-term in vitro culture techniques, we characterized the
cellular composition and functional attributes of the human in vitro bone
marrow stromal microenvironment. Morphologic, specific cytochemical and
immunologic methods demonstrated that the marrow stromal adherent layer
(AL) reached confluency at two to three weeks, and was comprised of 60%-70%
fibroblastic cells, 10%-20% endothelial cells, 10%-20% monocyte/macrophages
and 5%-10% fat-laden adherent cells. These proportions of cell types
persisted for at least three months concomitant with proliferation of
CFU-gm and BFU-e. In contrast, umbilical cord blood cells did not form a
stromal AL despite persistence of hemopoietic progenitor cell
proliferation. These findings provide a basis for improved understanding of
cellular interactions regulating hemopoiesis.
