Isolation and Culture of Term Human Trophoblast Cells

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Placenta and Trophoblast

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Medicineā„¢ ((MIMM,volume 121))

Abstract

Experimentation with most human cell types is restricted to the use of cell lines, and this limits our ability to extrapolate interpretations to the in vivo condition. However, in studying human trophoblast cells, we have a unique opportunity to obtain large quantities of readily available human tissue. In this chapter, we outline the methodology for purification of human trophoblast cells from term placentas. The procedures are based on enzymatic dissociation of villous placental tissue, followed by gradient centrifugation and immunomagnetic bead purification. Purity may be assessed by immunocytochemistry or flow cytometry using a number of markers to identify both cytotrophoblast cells and cellular contaminants. The resulting cytotrophoblast cell populations have excellent viability and purity, and may be subjected to long-term culture.

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Ā© 2006 Humana Press Inc.

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Petroff, M.G., Phillips, T.A., Ka, H., Pace, J.L., Hunt, J.S. (2006). Isolation and Culture of Term Human Trophoblast Cells. In: Soares, M.J., Hunt, J.S. (eds) Placenta and Trophoblast. Methods in Molecular Medicineā„¢, vol 121. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-983-4:201

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-983-4:201

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-404-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-983-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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