Evaluation of in-vitro cell labelling of mouse epithelia with tritiated thymidine

Various factors affecting the epithelial labelling index recorded following in-vitro incubation of specimens of mouse skin and palatal mucosa with tritiated thymidine were examined. Isotope concentration, specimen size and the period of exposure of autoradiographs prior to development markedly influenced the labelling index recorded but, following standardization of such factors, a reproducible index could be obtained. Labelling indices comparable to those obtained by the standard in-vivo labelling method could be produced by adjustment of isotope concentration in incubation media. Comparison of labelling indices recorded for tissues labelled in-vitro by a standardized method appeared valid but the absolute values of indices so obtained and their comparison with indices resulting from in-vivo labelling methods were of doubtful significance. (author)