Growth of Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cell (MDCK) line in hormone-supplemented, serum-free medium.

Abstract

Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells can grow in synthetic medium supplemented with 5 factors-insulin, transferrin, prostaglandin [PG] E1, hydrocortisone, and triiodothyronine-as a serum substitute. These 5 factors permit growth for 1 mo. in the absence of serum and a growth rate equivalent to that observed in serum-supplemented medium. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP substitutes for PGE1 in the medium. Potential applications of the serum-free medium are discussed. The medium permits a defined analysis of the mechanisms regulating hemicyst formation by hormones and permits the growth of primary kidney epithelial cell cultures in the absence of fibroblast overgrowth.