Abstract
A finite cell line (BWK) was derived from kidney of an immature male beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas). Cells were grown for 19 ± 1 passages at 37 °C in enriched tissue culture media supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and containing antibiotics. The cell line had a diploid chromosome modal number (2n = 44), but a pseudodiploid karyotype. BWK cells were characterized by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), glucosephosphate isomerase (GPI), and phosphoglucomutase (PGM) isozyme systems. The cells were susceptible to infection by several mammalian viruses including coxsackievirus (B3 and B5), vaccinia, and herpes simplex 1; but were refractory to echovirus 27, influenza A, poliovirus (types 1 and 3), and simian agent 11. The BWK line, which has been stored in liquid nitrogen, appears to be suitable for isolation of viruses from marine mammals.
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