Characterization of a newly established cell line derived from human adrenocortical carcinoma

Background: ACT-1, a new cell line of human adrenocortical carcinoma, has b een established and successfully maintained in culture. This study examined the biological characteristics of the cells. Methods: The tumor cells were isolated from a surgical specimen of the tumo r thrombus and cultured in monolayer. Results: Histologically, the primary tumor was composed of a solid prolifer ation of large polygonal cells. A part of the atrophic adrenal cortex remai ned at the periphery of the tumor. The cultured ACT-1 cells were spindle-sh aped in morphology and grew exponentially with an approximate population do ubling time of 24 h. A chromosomal analysis revealed a modal number of 61 w ith consistent structural abnormalities of add(3)(q11), add(9)(p11), and ad d(16)(q11). The expression of 3 beta -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was obse rved in the ACT-1 cells as well as in normal human adrenal glands. Conclusions: The ACT-1 cell line provides a reproducible model system which gives good insight into the oncogenesis of adrenocortical carcinoma.