Background: In vitro epidermal keratinocytes(EKs) culture systems are widely used in studying skin biology and differentiation. Recently a monolayer culture method of nail matrix cells(NMCs) has been developed. Objective: This study was designed to es...
Background: In vitro epidermal keratinocytes(EKs) culture systems are widely used in studying skin biology and differentiation. Recently a monolayer culture method of nail matrix cells(NMCs) has been developed. Objective: This study was designed to establish a method of culture of NMCs and compared its characteristics with those of EKs. Methods: Human NMCs were isolated and cultured in a defined medium. Phase contrast microscopic examination, growth rate and ketatin expression were evaluated. Results: In in vitro monolayer culture, NMCs had a similar growth pattern and morphological features as EKs. The synthesis of hard keratins was detected. Conclusion: These observations suggest that the NMCs culture model may be useful for the study of nail properties and the effects of drugs. (Ann Dermatol 9:(4):242-245, 1997)