{Reference Type}: Observational Study
{Title}: Culture expansion of primary human nasal epithelial cells (NEC) isolated with a nasal scraping spoon.
{Author}: Hangjin L;Junting Y;Yiqin W;Hui Q;Shen Y;Jizhe W;
{Journal}: J Int Med Res
{Volume}: 51
{Issue}: 11
{Year}: 2023 Nov
{Factor}: 1.573
{DOI}: 10.1177/03000605231207759
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To obtain high-purity nasal epithelial cells (NEC) while avoiding the irritation experienced by patients during nasal biopsies.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>This prospective, observational study enrolled patients undergoing surgical treatment for nasal septum deviation. After general anaesthesia, a novel nasal scraping spoon was used to collect epithelial cells from the mid-part of the inferior turbinate. The cells were evenly plated on six-well plates coated with rat tail collagen. The morphology and growth of the cells were observed at different time-points using an inverted phase-contrast microscope. Immunofluorescent staining of cytokeratin 18 was used to identify NEC. Ki67 staining was used to check cell viability.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>This study collected samples from 19 patients during a short procedure. No postoperative complications were observed. Cell samples ranging from 8.31 × 105 to 2.04 × 106 cells/sample were obtained. The culture model was suitable for primary NEC culture as demonstrated by the faster proliferation (5-7 days). There was no fungal or bacterial contamination. Immunofluorescent staining confirmed the presence and proliferative activity of NEC in the cultures.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>A novel nasal scraping spoon provided an easy sampling method, avoided nasal injuries and psychological barriers to sampling and sufficient viable NEC to establish primary cultures.