Biologic and Cytogenetic Characterization of Three Human Medullary Thyroid Carcinomas in Culture

Authors

R. Pfragner
G. Wirnsberger
A. Behmel
B. Niederle
F. Längle
R. Roka
A. Mandl
P. Pürstner
J. Auner
F. Tatzber

Abstract

Neuroendocrine features and cytogenetic abnormalities of one continuous cell line (MTC-SK) and two long-term cultures (GER, STAH) derived from three sporadic cases of human medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs) were studied. Specific neuroendocrine markers (NSE, chromogranins, calcitonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide) were identified by electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry. In situ hybridochemistry and Northern blot analysis confirmed endocrine activity. Cytogenetic studies of the cell line MTC-SK revealed three consistent marker chromosomes, t(3;10), 11p+, and 22p+. Cells of long-term cultures GER and STAH exhibited a consistent translocation t(2;18), a trisomy 7, and two consistent marker chromosomes der3 and 5p+, respectively. Recently, we have isolated 12 stable clones of this MTC-SK cell line, which showed two different growth patterns. Quantitative measurement of mitotic activity by flow cytometry and semiquantitative analysis of AgNOR-, Ki67-, and Cyclin/PCNA-(immuno)reactivity showed different DNA composition and duplication rates, indicating at least two subpopulations. Some of our clones developed a new consistent marker (i.e., an unbalanced translocation between mar11p+ and 1q). However, no correlations between chromosome findings, growth rate, and neuroendocrine markers were observed.

Recommended Citation

Pfragner, R.; Wirnsberger, G.; Behmel, A.; Niederle, B.; Längle, F.; Roka, R.; Mandl, A.; Pürstner, P.; Auner, J.; and Tatzber, F. (1992) "Biologic and Cytogenetic Characterization of Three Human Medullary Thyroid Carcinomas in Culture," Henry Ford Hospital Medical Journal : Vol. 40 : No. 3 , 299-302.
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/hfhmedjournal/vol40/iss3/38