Multiple differentiation of clonal teratocarcinoma stem cells following embryoid body formation in vitro

We have described the differentiation in vitro of clonal pluripotent teratocarcinoma stem cells derived from isolated single cells. By using solvent-resistant plastic petri dishes as a substratum for cell growth, it is possible to prepare histological sections of the cultures which can be compared with sections of teratocarcinomas formed in vivo by the same cells. Our results indicate that almost all of the cell types found in the tumors are formed in vitro, including cartilage, keratinizing epithelium, pigmented epithelium, neural tissue, and muscle. The cells are organized in a tissue structure which is remarkably similar to that found in vivo.