title: Characteristics of a cell line (Tong/HCC) established from a human hepatocellular carcinoma.
abstract: A continuous adherent cell line was established from a hepatocellular carcinoma of an HBsAg-positive Italian male. This cell line, designated Tong/HCC, has been grown in a hormone-supplemented medium for more than 18 months. The cell line secretes HBsAg, alpha-fetoprotein, albumin and alpha 1-antitrypsin. alpha-Fetoprotein production is enhanced by the addition of hydrocortisone and appears to be glucocorticoid concentration-dependent. The concentrates of the supernatant from the cell cultures and cell lysates were negative when tested for HBeAg. The cell culture medium was negative for hepatitis B virus DNA when tested by dot-blot hybridization. However, hepatitis B virus DNA was found to be integrated in the chromosomal DNA by Southern blot analysis. At least five different integration sites were identified, and no free hepatitis B virus DNA was observed. The modal chromosome number was 64, and a translocation on Chromosome 15 was consistently noted. HLA typing revealed sites for A3, Aw24, Bw34 and Cw1.
mesh_terms: D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D002460:Cell Line / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D002884:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D014178:Translocation, Genetic; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin / Q000378:metabolism; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins