Disodium Cromolyn and Anti-podoplanin Antibodies Strongly Inhibit Growth of BHK 21/C13-derived Fibrosarcoma in a Chick Embryo Chorioallantoic Membrane Model

Abstract

Aim: To characterize baby hamster kidney fibroblast (BHK 21/C13) cells and test the effects of antibodies against podoplanin and disodium cromolyn on BHK 21/C13 cell line-derived tumors grown on chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM).

Material and methods: BHK 21/C13 cell-derived fibrosarcomas developed in hamsters were implanted on CAM and treated with anti-podoplanin antibodies and disodium cromolyn. BHK 21/C13 cell immunophenotype was assessed.

Results: Fibrosarcoma cells were positive for vimentin, CD117, smooth muscle actin, vascular endothelial growth factor epidermal growth factor receptor, homebox prospero gene 1 and negative for platelet-derived growth factor B, neuron-specific enolase, S100, CD34, Ewing sarcoma and podoplanin. CAM-grown fibrosarcomas were highly sensitive to disodium cromolyn and anti-podoplanin antibodies.

Conclusion: Immunophenotyping BHK 21/C13 cells and their response to drugs represent the first step in revealing cell line utility and a reliable tool for experimental cancer research.

Keywords: BHK 21/C13 cell line; chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane; experimental therapy; phenotype characterization.