Neoplastic transformation in vitro of hamster lens epithelium by simian virus 40.
Hamster lens epithelium infected with simian virus 40 underwent transformation in vitro and produced tumors when injected into homologous hosts. Undisturbed lens epithelium in man and experimental animals has not been observed to undergo neoplastic change. The virus-induced tumors contained undifferentiated cells that were either polygonal or spindle-shaped. Their origin from lens epithelium seems certain since it is possible to isolate this unique structure free of connective tissue and blood vessels.
D000818:Animals; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D006224:Cricetinae; D004848:Epithelium; D005134:Eye Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007908:Lens, Crystalline; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000473:pathology; D013539:Simian virus 40