Comparative study of the surface ultrastructure of ten human breast cancer cell lines.

The surface ultrastructure of ten human breast cancer cell lines were studied by utilizing the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Comparison revealed that all lines were richly covered with specific surface features and were pleomorphic with many spheroidal dividing cells. Microvilli (MV) were the main and almost constant surface feature. Blebs, microridges, cauliflower-like processes and/or various cytoplasmic cell processes were also seen. Specific reproducible surface characteristics could be seen in each cell line.