Skip to main content

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Bilogy ((MIMB,volume 34))

  • 2600 Accesses

Abstract

The extracellular matrix of mammalian tissue is composed of a complex mix of constituitive proteins. This matrix must be broken down to recover single cells effectively for culture and/or staining (1). Tissue dissociation and its affiliated problems were described and defined over 80 years ago by Rous and Jones (2). More recent reviews (3, 4) have revealed newer methods for creating single-cell suspensions. Numerous procedures exist for dissociating solid tumors. They are usually multistep procedures involving one or a combination of mechanical, enzymatic, or chemical manipulations. Ideally, the dissociation protocol is individualized for the tissue of interest and evaluated relative to both optimal and representative cell yield.

The opinions or assertions herem represent the personal views of the author, and are not to be construed as official or as representing the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Protocol
USD 49.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 74.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Berwick, L. and Cotman, D. R. (1962) Some chemical factors m cellular adhesion and stickiness. Cancer Res. 22, 982–986

    Google Scholar 

  2. Rous, P and Jones, F S (1916) A method for obtaining suspensions of hving cells from the fixed tissues and for the plating of indrvrdual cells. J. Exp. Med. 23, 549–555.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Waymouth, C. (1974) To disaggregate or not to drsaggregate. Injury and cell disaggregation, transient or permanent? In Vitro 10, 97–111

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Freshney, R. I (1983) Culture of Animal Cells. A Manual of Basic Technique Liss, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Lewin, M J M and Cheret, A M (1989) Cell isolation techmques: use of enzymes and chelators. Methods Enzymol 171, 444–461

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Cerra, R., Zarbo, R. J., and Crissman, J D. (1990) Dissociation of cells from solid tumors Methods Cell Biol 33, 1–12.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Costa, A, Silvestrini, R., Del Bmo, G., and Motta, R (1987) Implications of dtsaggregation procedures on biological representation of human solid tumors Cell Tissue Kinet. 20, 171–180.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1994 Humana Press Inc.

About this protocol

Cite this protocol

Cunningham, R.E. (1994). Tissue Disaggregation. In: Javois, L.C. (eds) Immunocytochemical Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Bilogy, vol 34. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/0-89603285-X:225

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/0-89603285-X:225

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-89603-285-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-521-1

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

Publish with us

Policies and ethics