Identification of cytokines produced by cells cultured from human giant cell tumors of bone
Kito, M.
Nihon Seikeigeka Gakkai Zasshi 65(10): 918-930
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-5325 PMID: 1770261 Document Number: 379551
Morphological and biochemical studies were performed using tissue culture methods in 14 cases of giant cell tumor of bone. Primary cultures consisted of three types of cells, multinucleated giant cells, mononuclear round cells and spingle-shaped cells. The round cells were considered to be infiltrating macrophages, not neoplastic cells, according to the results obtained by morphological and immunohistochemical studies. The spindle-shaped cells were apparently neoplastic since they extensively proliferated and showed chromosomal abnormalities. Western blotting analysis of the supernatant fluid from the culture of the spindle-shaped cells showed the presence of several cytokines; M-CSF, IFN-.gamma., TNF-.alpha., which were known to show chemotatic, differentiation-inducing and activating effects on macrophages. When the conditioned mediums of cultured spindle-shaped cells were added to the culture of U-937 macrophage cell line, U-937 cells were induced to differentiate and became multinucleated giant cells. The results indicate that the spindle-shaped cells which could be passaged are neoplastic elements and that the cytokines produced by these cells have a significant role in clinicopathological status of the giant cell tumor of bone.