[Establishment and characterization of neoplastic cells derived from a hamster malignant fibrous histiocytoma induced by DMBA].

The malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) induced by 9,10-dimethyl 1,2-benz anthracene (DMBA) in the hamster, was prepared for tissue culture work. By applying the soft agar method, a clone was isolated. The cloned cell line was proved to be homogenous in morphology and ultrastructure, showing fine structure similar to histiocyte. The cells were positive for acid phosphatase, alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase and lysozyme in cytochemistry. Phagocytic activity of the cells tested by using carbon particles was found in the greater part of them. Moreover, inoculation of the cells into nude mice resulted in production of tumors belonging to MFH. Even after a long-term cultivation, no notable morphologic alternation was found and the cells retained histiocytic functions.