Development of a new serum-free cell culture system, McCoy-Plovdiv

Guidelines for cultivation and preservation of the serum-free cell line McCoy-Plovdiv

In this paper, we offer detailed information concerning manipulations with the novel serum-free cell line McCoy-Plovdiv. Guidelines for procedures as trypsinization of the monolayer, subculturing, as well as freezing and thawing conditions are proposed. Our results give us grounds to assume that this is a cell line entirely serum-independent at any step of the process of culturing and preservation. The serum-free cell line McCoy-Plovdiv enriches the collection of mammalian serum-free cell lines. The easier cultivation, the lower expenses and the higher sensitivity in comparison with the serum-supplemented McCoy cells are discussed as possibilities for broad applications of McCoy-Plovdiv cells in different types of laboratory investigations.

Histo-blood group antigen expression and proliferative activity of fibroblasts treated with dental monomers

The present work is focused on examining the effect of the structurally similar dental monomers bis-GA and bis-GMA on the expression of histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) in comparison with fibroblast vitality and proliferation. The fibroblast cell line McCoy-Plovdiv was cultivated in a serum-free medium and was treated with both monomers. Cell vitality was measured by the crystal violet test. Mitotic index and cell morphology were assessed. An immunocytochemical technique was applied to follow the expression of proliferative antigens PCNA and Ki-67 and of HBGA. The expression level of HBGA was measured by an improved pixel selection algorithm with proprietary software. The lowest concentration of 2.5 micromol/L did not significantly affect morphology, vitality, or proliferation activity. Interestingly, the quantitative analysis revealed augmented expression of HBGA B at 2.5 micromol/L. The higher concentrations of the dental monomers reduced cell vitality and mitotic indices and altered proliferative antigen expression. Bis-GA proved to be more toxic than bis-GMA and caused more prominent alterations including greater enhancement of HBGA B expression. We present novel evidence for altered expression of proliferative antigens and enhanced expression of HBGA B in fibroblasts treated with dental monomers bis-GA and bis-GMA suggesting that these substances affect cell morphology, proliferative activity, and antigenic profile.

Indirect immunofluorescent assay for antinuclear antibodies on McCoy-Plovdiv serum-free cell line substrate

Indirect immunofluorescent assay for antinuclear antibodies (IIFA-ANA) on HEp-2 cell substrate is a widely used test for diagnosis of connective tissue diseases. Recently, serum-free fibroblast cell line McCoy-Plovdiv has been developed to provide an alternative substrate. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of IIFA-ANA on McCoy-Plovdiv cell substrate for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and compare it with that of the standard HEp-2 cell substrate. Sera from 72 patients with RA and 23 patients with SLE were tested with IIFA-ANA on both substrates. The control group consisted of 100 sera from healthy individuals. The agreement (Cohen's kappa) and the diagnostic performance (ROC analysis) of both methods were evaluated. IIFA-ANA on McCoy-Plovdiv cells proved to be comparable with the standard IIFA-ANA on HEp-2 cell substrate.