Generation of fibroblast-like cells from cloned epithelial mammary cells in vitro: a possible new cell type.

Abstract

Clonal cell lines were isolated from a nitrosomethylurea-induced mammary tumor in Wistar-Furth rats. The epithelial-like cells of these lines give rise to fibroblast-like cells [FLC]. A study of several markers showed that the epithelial-like cells are similar to epithelial mammary cells. The FLC, were similar to stromal cells, except for the production of collagen IV. The events occurring in these cultures are identical to those observed in previously isolated mammary cultures suggesting their generality. The FLC generated in culture may be a hitherto unrecognized type of mammary cell. Cell lines used were RAMA-25, RAMA-4, RAMA-29, LA7 and F2408.