The Corneal Epithelium as A Source of Mammalian Somatic Mitoses

Abstract

Dividing cells that occur abundantly in the lowermost layers of the corneal epithelium of various laboratory mammals provide a reliable and readily procurable source of mitotic figures for studies of chromosome number and form. Preparations may be secured quickly by fixing and staining entire eyes in an orcein-alcohol-acetic-acid mixture, or by fixing in acetic-alcohol and then staining with orcein or with leucobasic f uchsin as used in the Feulgen technic. For cytological examination of the epithelial cells and for determination of mitotic rates, the cornea is dissected from the eye and mounted as a flat preparation. Squashes of the epithelial cells are useful if mitotic counts are not required.