Sialic acid content in mouse myeloma cells and derived B-cell hybridomas with different metastatic potentials

In a previous work we have reported on the metastatic capacities of mouse myeloma cells (NSO) and of two hybridomas derived from them. The present study was designed to examine the sialic acid content of these cell types, their attachment to glass and their capping in the presence of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). The results showed no significant differences in sialic acid content between NSO and Hybridoma A (Hy A) cells which are non and low metastatic, respectively, whereas Hybridoma B (Hy B), which is highly metastatic, contained 1.4-1.6-fold higher sialic acid compared to the other two cell types. NSO cells exhibited a high, Hy A a moderate and Hy B a negligible attachment to glass. Capping experiments showed a low response of NSO cells, a moderate response of Hy A and a high response of Hy B in the presence of WGA. The results are discussed with regard to the metastatic potential of these cell types taking into consideration the properties cell surface sialic acid is known to endow to cells, determining various aspects of their behaviour.