The origin and characteristics of a pig kidney cell strain, LLC-PK

In Vitro. 1976 Oct;12(10):670-7. doi: 10.1007/BF02797469.

Abstract

A stable epithelial-like pig kidney cell strain has been established. This strain has been carried through more than 300 serial passages, has remained free of microbial and viral contaminants, and has retained a near diploid number of chromosomes. Attempts to produce tumors with these cells in immunosuppressed laboratory animals have been uniformly negative. The cells have grown rapidly in monolayer cultures with a split ratio of 1 to 15 at weekly intervals, but have failed to proliferate in suspension cultures. A subline adapted to growth on serum-free medium 199 has been carried through 145 passages on this medium. Several unusual morphologic features have been observed in these cultures including three-dimensional "domelike" structures. These cells have been found susceptible to some viruses and have been especially useful for viruses of domestic animals. LLC-PK1 cells have produced significant levels of plasminogen activator.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Division
  • Cell Line*
  • Cricetinae
  • Diploidy
  • Freezing
  • Immunosuppression Therapy
  • Kidney
  • Male
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / etiology
  • Plasminogen Activators / biosynthesis
  • Preservation, Biological
  • Rats
  • Swine
  • Virus Cultivation
  • Viruses / growth & development

Substances

  • Plasminogen Activators