Derivation of phenobarbital-responsive immortal rat hepatocytes.

摘要: Two lines of rat hepatocytes, designated 6/15 and 6/27, were obtained from carcinogen-treated livers by cultivation in medium containing the liver tumor promoter, phenobarbital (PB). Both appeared to be PB-responsive have an unlimited vitro proliferative lifespan, i.e., immortality. The ability pure 6/27 hepatocytes form colonies single cells was strictly dependent upon PB; it reduced 97 99% absence PB. These not tumorigenic. For early passages where cultures contained fibroblast contaminants later when they a culture, PB able enhance colony growth facilitated population expansion sustaining DNA synthesis inhibiting cell lysis. line displayed PB-dependent formation tumorigenic at passages. At less on for formation, formed hepatocellular carcinoma transplanted into syngeneic rats. demonstration that sustained proliferation viability with enhanced capacity indefinite lifespan suggests may necessary progression these chemically initiated immortal vitro.