Co-culture of Epidermal and Dermal Bovine Hoof Cells in a Perfusion Chamber

This study reports on the development of a co-culture system of bovine hoof keratinocytes and fibroblasts in a perfusion chamber as well as first experimental experiences. This system was developed to study the mechanisms of dermo-epidermal signalling that control and regulate the proliferation and differentiation of the claw epidermis in vitro. Keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation are controlled by a variety of interacting factors, such as the keratinocyte growth factor (KGF/FGF-7), which is produced by fibroblasts upon stimulation by keratinocytederived interleukin-1 (Maas-Szabowski et al, 2000). The aim of this study was to establish the co-cultivation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts in perfusion chamber systems under defined conditions, creating the platform for our further studies of the dermo epidermal cross-talk in vitro ...