Primary cultures of heart cells from the scallop Pecten maximus (Mollusca-Bivalvia)

Primary cultures of Pecten maximus heart cells, isolated Ly an enzymatic pr ocedure, were routinely obtained with a high level of reproducibility in a simple medium based on sterile seawater. Cells attached to the plastic subs tratum without the need to add a special factor The number of adhering cell s gradually increased with the time of culture. Two types of adhering cells were observed: epitheliallike cells and fibroblastlike cells, which were m ore numerous. The latter cells were identified as myocytes by electron micr oscopy and immunofluorescent staining. Results obtained by autoradiography, after incorporation of [C-14]leucine, [H-3]thymidine, and [C-14]acetate, c onfirmed functional activity of the cells. These cultures were maintained v iable in vitro during at least 1 mo.