The Growth and Serial Passage of Cell Lines from Aedes Aegypti (L.) Larvae in Different Media

Abstract

The establishment and growth of cell lines from larval AEDES AEGYPTI in different media, without insect haemolymph, are described. The method of subculturing the cells, using a 0.05% solution of pronase instead of trypsin solution to detach the cells from the glass surface, was simple, quick and easily reproducible. There were differences in the architecture of the cell layer and of the predominant cell type in the cell lines. One of the cell lines which was studied in greater detail had an estimated population-doubling time of 29 hr during the active growth phase and showed a 25-fold increase in cell number during 7 days of growth. The majority of cells in this line retained the normal 2n (= 6) complement of chromosomes. The cells, suspended in 10% dimethyl sulphoxide in medium, were cooled to −196°C (liquid nitrogen) and successfully resuscitated.