【Abstract】 Objective To explore an effective method to cultivate esophageal mucosa epithel ial cells (EMECs)of canine in vitro, and to observe the biological characteristics of EMECs growing on SIS in order to provide an experimental basis for esophagus tissue engineering. Methods Esophageal tissues were obtained from five healthy dogs aged 2 to 5 weeks under sterile conditions. The primary EMECs were cultivated with defined keratinocyte serum free medium (DKSFM) containing 6% FBS. The morphological characteristics and the growth curve of EMECs of the 2nd generation were observed for 1 to 5 days. The expressions of the EMECs marker (cytokeratin 19, CK-19) were examined by immunocytochemistry. The 2nd generation of EMECs was seeded on SIS and observed by HE staining, immunohistochemical staining, and SEM for 4 and 8 days. Results The primary culture of canine EMECs arranged l ike slabstone. Immunohistochemical staining of CK-19 of the2nd generation EMECs showed positive broadly. The cells growth reached the peak level at 2 days by MTT method. E MECs werepolygon in shape and arranged l ike slabstone, and formed a single layer on the surface of SIS. The cells were contact ed closely with each other for 4 days. Eight days later, 2 to 3 layers stratified structure was formed. Lots of EMECs were grown on SIS, andshowed laminate arrangement. Conclusion With mixed enzymatic digestion, the culture of EMECs in DKSFM containing 6 %FBS is a simple and feasible method. SIS shows good biocompatibil ity and can be used as a good scaffold material in th e tissue engineered esophagus.