In vitro basal lamina formation may require non-epidermal cell living substrate*

Abstract

In an adult [human] epidermal cell culture system in which 3 different types of dermoepidermal junctions could be observed, the in vitro synthesis of basement membrane and type IV collagen was studied with EM and indirect immunofluoresence via an antiserum to type IV collagen. Keratinocytes juxtaposed to non-living substrate did not produce either type IV collagen or an ultrastructural basement membrane, whereas both products were found at dermoepidermal junctions composed of living keratinocytes juxtaposed to living dermis. The microenvironment of the keratinocyte may influence the synthesis of junctional components.