Results of Species-Specific Hemagglutination Tests on “Transformed,” Nontransformed, and Primary Cell Cultures2

Abstract

Experiences with and technical modifications of the hemagglutination and absorption tests for species determination of cultivated mammalian cells are described. A report is presented on experimental species determination of 17 “transformed” and 14 non transformed established cell strains. Primary cell cultures of corresponding species served as controls. The transformed cell strains tested were reportedly derived from human, monkey, rabbit, swine, calf, hamster, or duck tissues. All were found not to belong to the species of stated or assumed origin, but were either of mouse or human species. The significance of these findings in respect to the so-called cell “transformation” phenomenon is discussed.