Objective: To modify the operation of dissecting embryonic palatal shelves and purify the mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal (EPM) cells in primary culture.
Methods: The embryonic palatal shelves were dissected using a surgical microscope by modified operation. Then the embryonic palatal shelves were incubated with Dispase and the isolated EPM cells were cultured. Immunofluorescence technique was used to identify the characteristics of cells.
Results: Embryonic palatal shelves could be dissected accurately and easily with a modified operation. The purified EPM cells contained scarcely epithelial cells. EPM cells were anti-HNK-1, S-100, vimentin positive and anti-CK negative.
Conclusion: A modified method for dissecting embryonic palatal shelves and purifying the EPM cells of primary culture was established.