A new cell line (TE-3) derived from human squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

A new epithelial cell line (TE-3) has been established from a metastatic lesion at the right chest wall which was originated from a well differentiated human squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. TE-3 has been subcultured more than 150 times for 3 years and 1 month. Cultured cells have grown as isolated colonies of epithelial cells. The average doubling time of the TE-3 cell line was 48 hr and the plating efficiency was 10 to 40% in MEM supplemented with 8% fetal calf serum. Distinctive marker chromosomes and a male karyotype were present in TE-3. Electron microscopic examination of the TE-3 cells disclosed the presence of desmosomes and microvilli in connection of the cells which were rich in cell organelles. In early passages of culture, the cytoplasm of cells was slightly positive with PAS stain but negative with Sudan III or mucicarmin stain. Heterotransplantation of the culture cells to BALB/c nude mice produced tumors, the histological appearance of which was similar to that of the original one. The carcinoembryonic antigen level of the medium in the confluent culture of TE-3 was 2 ng/10(4) cells.