Scanning electron microscopic study of three human breast cancer cell lines.

The surface features of three human breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-134, MDA-MB-175 and MDA-MB-231) and of one nontumorigenic line derived from breast milk (HBL-100) were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Cells of eight to ten different passages were investigated. The MDA-MB lines were pleomorphic, with the presence of microvilli a constant feature; blebs were occasionally observed. These features were absent in the HBL-100 cells, which had an almost smooth surface.