THE CIRCUMFUSION SYSTEM FOR MULTIPURPOSE CULTURE CHAMBERS : I. Introduction to the Mechanics, Techniques, and Basic Results of a 12-Chamber (In Vitro) Closed Circulatory System

A self-contained mechanical system for circulating nutrient fluid through 12 tissue culture chambers is described in detail. This system utilizes nonperforated cellophane membranes in the chambers which separate the circulating nutrient from the tissue culture environments. The nutrient, therefore, is dialyzed through the cellophane of each chamber; some cell products are retained in the microenvironment between the closely apposed cellophane and cover slip, whereas the other cell products move from chamber to chamber in the circulating nutrient. The resultant environmental conditions directed by the circumfusion systems are highly favorable for maintaining the differentiation of chick embryo tissues over protracted periods; a number of micrographs are shown.