VIRUS-INFECTED AVIAN CELL LINES ESTABLISHED INVITRO

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 36  (11) , 3894-3904
Abstract
Four virus-infected avian cell lines were established in culture. Two of these lines, infected with BAI strain A virus, liberated only small quantities of virus in the culture fluid. The cells retained the ability to induce myeloblastic leukemia when inoculated i.v. into 1 to 2 day old chicks, but did so less efficiently than freshly obtained myeloblasts. These cells were not transplantable, since the disease produced was characterized by the presence of myeloblasts that liberated large quantities of virus. The other 2 cell lines, infected with the MC29 strain of avian leukosis virus, liberated normal levels of infectious virus in the culture fluid. When these cells were inoculated into the wing web of 1 to 2 day old chicks, tumors developed at the site of inoculation which were detectable as early as 4 to 7 days after challenge. Chromosome studies demonstrated that the 4 cell lines had karyotypes typical of Gallus domesticus. The myeloblastic cell lines (D.U. 11157 and D.U. 1765) showed a reduction in the number of microchromosomes. These cell lines were carried in continuous culture for various lengths of time, may be frozen, were easily recovered in viable form and appeared to be capable of indefinite growth.