The uptake of alpha-foetoprotein by C-1300 mouse neuroblastoma cells.

Recent immunocytochemical and biochemical studies have shown the intracellular uptake of alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) by most neural crest and neural tube derivatives of developing mammals and birds. The neural crest origin of neuroblastomas has been known for a long time. While many mouse neuroblastoma cell lines can express several neuronal properties, other lines lack specialized neural functions and may re-express embryonal or foetal antigens, suggesting some reversion towards an earlier stage of differentiation. We have therefore tested the C-1300 Jackson mouse neuroblastoma cell line for its ability to incorporate AFP. The results obtained confirm the significant internalization of protein by these cells, both in vitro and in vivo. External photoscans of mice bearing tumours after injection with [131I]-AFP have proven the usefulness of the protein as a radiotracer for neuroblastoma localization.