Identical expression of cell surface membrane antigens on two parent and eighteen cloned cell lines derived from two different neuroblastoma metastases of the same patient.

Two neuroblastoma cell lines established from tumor tissue taken from one individual are described. The first of these was established from a bone marrow aspirate (RT-BM) and the other from a right axillary lymph node (RT-LN) of a 1-yr 2-mo-old patient with Stage IV disease. The original lines were cloned in soft agar to yield six clones of the bone marrow-derived line (RT-BM 1-6) and 12 of the lymph node line (RT-LN 1-12). Chromosomal analysis of the original lines and clones showed they all have either identical or very similar karyotypes, with a deletion of chromosome 1p. Transmission electron microscopy indicates all contain neurosecretory (dense core) granules and neurotubules. In addition catecholamine metabolites of dopamine and noradrenaline have been identified. Different growth characteristics of the lymph node and bone marrow lines have been identified. RT-LN lines grow in a single cell layer with neurite processes, whereas bone marrow-derived lines form focal aggregates with neurite processes. In addition the colony-plating efficiency of the lymph node-derived lines is higher than those derived from bone marrow. Comparison of the cell surface antigen profile of the original tumor tissue, parent lines, and clones demonstrates they all bind seven of a panel of nine monoclonal antibodies. The expression of these antigens has remained stable in vitro for 25 passages undertaken over a 2-yr period. The definition of antigens that are expressed on the membranes of neuroblastoma cells in a stable form can aid in the differential diagnosis of neuroblastoma from other "small round cell tumors of childhood" and hopefully contribute to a greater understanding of the biology of this highly malignant tumor.