The dispersal of cells from human gynecologic specimens: chemical agents.

An investigation of nonenzymatic chemical solutions for the dispersal of gynecologic cells in suspension was undertaken using known general information on the composition of cell surfaces and cell adhesive properties. Studies on human cells cultured in vitro showed that thiol reducing agents release microextension-mediated contacts. Dispersing solutions containing lithium diiodosalicylate separated cells, presumably by extracting glycoproteins. Solutions without this agent but containing tetramethylurea and mixed sugars similar to those found on the cell surface separated cells by interacting with hydrogen bonds and other noncovalent polysaccharide interactions thought to hold cells together. Solutions containing ethylenediaminetetraacetate, dithiothreitol, tetramethylurea, mixed sugars, mixed amines and inorganic ions are suggested as mildly-acting dispersal solutions on the basis of evaluationtions by phase contrast microscopy, Papanicolaou staining and particle volume analysis.