Murine Living Tissue Model amp; UsesTthereof

摘要

The invention provides an in vitro method for observing an effect of a test agent on a murine tumour model. The model consists a three-dimensional array of murine fibroblasts in a collagen gel which mimics a connective tissue substrate, on or in which are grown benign or malignant murine tumour cells. The model mimics the interactions between the tumour and the underlying tissue substrate, which in turn influence the effect which potential therapeutic or oncogenic agents have on the tumour tissue. Thus the models of the invention provide more physiologically relevant data than monolayer cultures or other available issue models about the effects a particular test agent will have on tumour tissue in vivo. Preferred embodiments provide a model of epithelial tissue and tumours derived therefrom.