Cultured cell lines for research on pulmonary physiology available through the American type culture collection

Procedures are described by which cell lines of potential use for studies on pulmonary physiology were developed or otherwise obtained, characterized, and banked for distribution to the scientific community. Seventy-seven cell lines were submitted under this program. Forty-eight of these exhibited adequate doubling potential and were of sufficient interest and purity to permit accessioning and banking for distribution. An additional 12 lung cell lines had been added earlier during development of the Cell Repository. In all, 4 presumptive type II alveolar lines, 2 nonspecified epithelial-like lines, 2 endothelial lies, 1 mesothelial line, and 51 fibroblastlike lines are available. Eighteen species including humans, monkeys, and common laboratory animals are represented. An additional 19 lines were retained as token holdings because they either exhibited insufficient doubling potential or represented duplicate samples of differing passage levels. Ten lines were rejected because of poor viability, presence of contaminant microorganisms, or inappropriate species identification by the donor. The lines will be retained at the ATCC for distribution on request to the scientific community at large. As newly developed strains are identified and made available these may also be added to the existing collection. Appropriate cooperation from the scientific community and support from governmental funding agencies are required and acknowledge.