Establishment of an osseous cell line from fetal rat calvaria using an immunocytolytic method of cell selection: Characterization of the cell line and of derived clones

Abstract

Using selective media and complement-mediated lysis of primary cultures of a fetal rat calvarial cell population, we have developed a cell line (OBCK6) that exhibits osteoblastic characteristics. OBCK6 cells demonstrated enhanced parathyroid hormone (PTH)-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity relative to the primary calvarial population, production of alkaline phosphatase activity and type 1 collagen, and the capacity to form mineralized nodules in unsupplemented medium after prolonged (22-26 day) culture. Two sublines, CFK1 and CFK2, which were isolated by dilution cloning, differed morphologically and with respect to growth rate. CFK1 cells demonstrated high PTH and prostaglandin E2-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity, whereas only low PTH-stimulated activity was observed in CFK2 cells. Retinoic acid and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] each reduced PTH-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in both the cell types. Retinoic acid and dexamethasone reduced and 1,25(OH)2D3 enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity in these cells. PTH significantly augmented alkaline phosphatase activity to a much greater extent in CFK1 than in CFK2 cells. Both CFK1 and CFK2 cells expressed type I but type III collagen, and neither expressed osteocalcin. Strong Alcian blue staining of CFK2 cells was suggestive of a cartilaginous phenotype. These three cell lines, therefore, demonstrated discrete characteristics of skeletal cell function and should provide important models for evaluation of mechanisms of mineralization and for control of skeletal cell growth and mesenchymal differentiation in vitro.