LUNG-CANCER CELL-LINE PRODUCING CYTOKERATIN-19 FRAGMENT AND SIALYL-LEWIS X-I ANTIGEN

A new human lung large cell carcinoma cell line producing cytokeratin 19 fragment(CYFRA) and sialyl Lewis Xi antigen(SLX), designated TKB-13 , was established front a patent in our laboratory. The cell line grew in a monolayer and had a polygonal epitheloid appearance in phase-con trast microscopy. The doubling time of TKB-13 cells was approximately 32 hours in Dulbecco's minimal essential medium with 5% fetal bovine s erum. TKB-13 cells could be transplanted to nude mice and the histolog ical characteristics were the same as those of resected tissue from th e primary site. Positive reactions for CYFRA and for SLX were seen wit hin the cytoplasm of TKB-13 cells by immunocytochemical staining. Both CYFRA and SLX were detected in the culture supernatant. Our results s uggested that TKB-13 cell line is available for experimental studies o n the biological behavior of non-small cell lung cancer.