Location, Isolation, and Culture of Epidermal Stem Cells of Rats In Vitro

The study aimed to confirm the location of epidermal stem cells in rats and develop methods for their isolation and culture in vitro. Using immunohistochemical methods, researchers identified that K15 was expressed in the cytoplasm of hair follicle bulge cells, as well as in the hair matrix and basal layer of the epidermis with age. The isolated cells formed large clones in culture, with a higher clone forming rate than control cells, and maintained their morphological features after four passages. The study concluded that epidermal stem cells were located in the hair follicle bulge regions, and the methods used for their isolation and culture were feasible.