Phenotypic change of an SV40-transformed mouse macrophage line, BB-W-531-2 induced by different cultural methods

A simian virus 40 (SV40)-transformed macrophage clone which was established from BALB/cAnN mouse bone marrow cells was used to study the effect of different cultural conditions on the expression of macrophage properties. The macrophage clone, BB-W-531-2 line, expressed and maintained the macrophage properties, immune phagocytosis of Fc- and complement receptors, under the growth-inhibiting conditions of confluent density and of cultivation on bacteriologic dishes with reduced adhesiveness. However, the cells lost their ability to express the macrophage properties dependent upon cell density after repeated culture splits in the growing phase. These cells regained that ability when they were cocultured with cells having macrophage properties. These results suggest that there is a possible correlation between reduced multiplication and the expression of macrophage properties, and that macrophage properties which have been suppressed or blocked may be induced by diffusible factor(s) produced by macrophages.