Continuous human glioma-derived cell lines UC-11MG and UC-302MG. Morphologic, immunocytochemical and chromosomal characterization.

Two continuous human glioma-derived cell lines, UC-11MG and UC-302MG were established in our laboratory. Both cell lines persistently showed cytologic features similar to those of their respective original tumors. UC-11MG expressed glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S-100 protein. The cell lines were negative for factor VIII related antigen (FVIII/RAg) and positive for fibronectin and neuronal specific enolase (NSE). Electron microscopic studies of UC-11MG revealed intermediate filament; filopodia and pinocytic vesicles were present in both lines. Dibutyryl cAMP (dB-cAMP) caused inhibition of growth and marked shift in the morphology of UC-302MG toward spindle cells. The cytologic appearance of UC-11MG treated with dB-cAMP was altered less, but cells showed a stronger GFAP expression, with 'cable' formation. Doubling time was 41.0 +/- 6.4 hours for UC-11MG and 43.7 +/- 6.6 hours for UC-302MG. The karyotypes of both cell lines were aneuploid with chromosomal derangement and markers characteristic for each line.