[An improved BALB/c 3T3 cell transformation assay and its application in the cocarcinogenesis study].

OBJECTIVE

To improve the protocol of BALB/c 3T3 cell transformation assay, and apply it to the cocarcinogenesis study.

METHOD

Appropriate serum concentration, culture media and method of administration were selected by testing their effects on the growth and transformation of BALB/c 3T3 cells. The co-carcinogenic activity between diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and microcystin-LR (MC-LR) or 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) were examined using the improved cell transformation assay. The malignant characteristics of transformed cells were verified by neoplasia in SCID mice.

RESULTS

There were strong co-carcinogenic activity between DEN and TCDD. On the contrary, although MC-LR has strong ability to induce cell transformation, the effect was markely inhibited by DEN. The transformed cells show some malignant characteristics.

CONCLUSION

The improved BALB/c 3T3 cell transformation assay is reliable and time-saving, and can be efficiently used in the study of cocarcinogenesis.