An established cell line from the newt Notophthalmus viridescens

An established cell line, derived from the dorsal iris of the eastern North American newt, Notophthalmus viridescens, is described. The cells display an epithelial-like behaviour in culture, grow relatively slowly, possess considerably larger chromosomes than mammals and are heteroploid, although some near-diploid cells are present in the culture. The line is characterized by a strong tendency to overlapping and aggregation in spite of its origin from adult tissue.