Induction of acetylcholinesterase activity by beta-ecdysone in a Drosophila cell line.

When cells of the Drosophila Kc-H line are treated with larger than or equal to 10(-8) molar beta-ecdysone, they extend long processes and acquire acetylcholinesterase activity. Thus, this permanent line, derived originally from embryol cultures, may be composed of cells having some neural or glial characteristics.