ObjectiveTo explore the suitable method for isolation and maintenance of primary cultures of human gallbladder epithelial cells (GECs) for establishing the basis of research works in physiological function of gallbladder and its related diseases.MethodsGECs were isolated with collagenase type Ⅳ and blunt separation.The dishes were coated with fibronectin, laminin and polyDlysine respectively.Additional 10 ng/ml epidermal growth factor was added to DMEM medium containing 20% fetal calf serum.The cells were studied under light and electron microscope to determine their shape and distribution.ResultsEach gallbladder yielded approximately (1-5)×107columnar epithelial cells,greater than 95% of which were viable by trypan blue exclusion.The cells grew vigorously within one week which was flat and multangular in shape. CK19 expressed positive.Electron microscope showed typical gallbladder epithelia with microvilli,tight junctions and mucus droplets.ConclusionCombination of collagenase type Ⅳ，mechanical blunt separation and twostep attachment is of great benefit for separating and harvesting GEC.Fibronectin coated culture dish and DMEM medium containing 20% calf serum and 10 ng/ml hEGF is of great benefit for culturing gallbladder epithelial cells.