Preparation of primary cell cultures from lamprey

The lamprey is an important model for studies of evolution and comparative biology. The ability to culture cells from lamprey tissues makes it possible to employ an in vitro approach to address basic questions in these areas. Methods are described for the initiation of cell cultures derived from tissues of adult and larval sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). Primary cultures initiated from gill, muscle, gut, brain, ovary, heart and kidney were viable for up to eight months and several of the cultures were propagated for multiple passages. Most cultures were initiated from tissue explants in basal nutrient medium supplemented with fetal bovine and trout sera on a culture surface treated with fibronectin and collagen. Variations of these culture conditions to meet the specific growth requirements of certain cell types are discussed.