Development and characterization of a new cell line CF from caudal fin of knifefish, Chitala chitala (Hamilton-Buchanan).

A new cell line was successfully obtained from caudal fin tissue of the economically important freshwater fish Chitala chitala. The cell line was optimally maintained at 28°C in Leibovitz's L-15 supplemented with 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS). The effects of temperature and concentration of FBS on the growth of CF cells were examined. The CF cell line consisted predominantly of fibroblastic-like cells. Moderately low plating efficiencies 8%, 11%, and 17% were observed, with CF cell line in L-15 Medium with 20% FBS. Chromosomal analysis of the cell line revealed a diploid number of 42 chromosomes in C. chitala. Molecular characterization of mitochondrial 16S rRNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit I confirmed the origin of the cell line. The cells were successfully cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen (-196°C) for 6 mo, and more than 85-90% of CF cells were revived.