Surface features of three human cell lines established from diagnostic biopsies of esophageal carcinomas

Cells from three human esophageal carcinoma cell lines recently established from diagnostic biopsy specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy using a standardised technique. Each line was morphologically distinct, but displayed some features common to the other lines. Line B17, derived from a tumor classified histopathologically as being a moderately to well differentiated squamous carcinoma was characterised by cells of fairly uniform size and appearance with numerous well developed intercellular processes and abundant microvilli. Cell contacts were multiple and complex. Line B5, derived from a poorly differentiated tumor, comprised pleomorphic cells with fewer surface projections. Microvilli were most abundant in elevated nuclear regions and lateral processes were short and not as complex as those between B17 cells. Cells of line B29, derived from a squamous carcinoma classified histologically as moderately differentiated, typically displayed few surface projections though peripheral cytoplasmic ridges were frequently present.