Chromosomal characterization and isoenzyme pattern of non-malignant and malignant human urothelial cell lines

The karyotypes and selected isoenzymes of five cell lines, HU 961b, HU 1922, HU 609, HCV-29 and HU 1703 He, were characterized. These cell lines were derived either from histologically normal human urothelial cells or from transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder. They displayed different life span in vitro and transplantability in nude mice, as well as a unique isoenzyme and chromosomal pattern. In addition, various chromosomes were involved in the formation of marker chromosomes in these cell lines. Since there was a lack of consistency in chromosomal changes in the cell lines with TCC origin, the cause of malignancy could not be attributed to the abnormality of specific chromosomes.