Allogeneic transplantation of normal epidermal cells and squamous cell carcinomas in SENCAR mice

A method used in our laboratory for the transplantation of single cell suspensions of epidermis and skin carcinomas is described. Silicone chambers were placed into a subcutaneous granulation tissue formed by the implantation of a glass disk. The skin was closed on top of the chamber by using Michael autoclips. Cells were injected 24 to 48 hr later through the skin using a syringe and needle. The neoformation of epithelia with adnexa was observed when newborn epidermal cells were injected. When a fresh cell suspension of squamous cell carcinoma was used, a typical differentiated carcinoma was formed within 2 to 4 weeks. However, after 4 weeks, some of the grafts showed mild signs of rejection. The technique described is a useful system to transplant squamous cell carcinomas and can also be used as a rapid assay for malignancy.