Histological arguments for collagen and elastin synthesis by primary cultures of rat aortic media cells.

Using the histological staining methods of Weigert and of Masson on primary cultures of rat aortic media cells, we obtained additional proofs of the smooth muscle cell's ability to secrete collagen and elastin in vitro: the percentage of positive flasks with aorta rings was the same throughout the follow-up, but increased gradually for the new tissue growing around the rings.