Evidence for discrete cell kinetic subpopulations in mouse epidermis based on mathematical analysis.

Continuous (repeated) labelling studies in mouse epidermis indicate that nearly all cells are labelled after about 100 hr. Percentage labelled mitoses studies ([3H]TdR at 15.00 and 03.00 hours) have a first peak that does not reach 100% and has a half-width of about 10 hr. Small second and third peaks can be detected at about 90 and 180 hr. respectively. The changes with time in the number of labelled cells show a difference dependent on the time of day of [3H]TdR administration. Both curves show an early doubling in labelled cells which then decline, forming a peak of labelled cells. A second peak occurs at about 120 hr. This is followed by a progressive decline with no further peak until values of about 1% labelling are obtained at 340 hr. These experiments have been investigated mathematically. A computer programme has been devized that permits all three types of experiments to be analyzed simultaneously. More importantly, it can analyse situations with a heterogeneity in cell cycle parameters in all proliferative subpopulations. Various models for epidermal cell replacement have been considered. The data as a whole can best be explained if the basal layer contains at least two distinct subpopulations of cells and an exponentially decaying post-mitotic population with a half-life of about 30 hr. The proliferative sub-populations must be characterized by near integer differences in the length of cycle, the precursor (stem) compartment having the longer cycle. An inverse relationship is required for the length of S, i.e. the shortest time for the stem cells. A full range of cell kinetic parameters can be calculated and are tabulated for the most appropriate model system which is one involving three transit proliferating subpopulations.