Abstract: Objective To rapidly isolate and culture sweat gland epithelial cells in vitro and to observe the characteristics of the cells.Methods The secretory coils of sweat glands were dissected and picked out under an anatomical microscope,then digested by collagenase.The harvested epithelial cells of sweat gland were observed for their growth characteristics and identified by immunohistochemistry.Results The cultured epithelial cells grew very well.About 3 weeks later,a distinctive cobblestone appearance was observed in the culture.The antibody-staining showed the cells were positive for epithelial membrane antigen and cytokeratin,but negative for actin,which confirmed that the cells were sweat gland epithelial cells.Conclusion A method is established for rapid isolation and culure of sweat gland epithelial cells in vitro.

Key words: Cells,cultured, Sweat glands, Epithelial cells