CULTIVATION OF THE HYBRIDOMA CELL-LINE MN12 IN A HOMOGENEOUS CONTINUOUS-CULTURE SYSTEM - EFFECT OF CULTURE AGE

The stability of the hybridoma cell line MN12 in a long-term homogeneo us continuous culture was studied using a panel of analytical methods. These include two flow cytometry methods, for the determination of re lative cytoplasmic and membrane IgG content. In addition, the antibody production was determined by an ELISA, and the metabolic state of the cells was determined by means of glucose consumption and lactate prod uction. These results indicate a possible selection of variants of MN1 2 hybridoma cells with an overall aerobic metabolism, but with a highe r glucose consumption rate and a higher lactate production rate. These variants are mainly characterized by a different membrane IgG content and cytoplasmic antibody content. These changes may possibly be affec ted by the culture age.