Establishment and characterization of a cell line from the mosquito Anophles albimanus (Diptera: Culicidae)

RESUMO

A new cell line designated LSB-AA695BB, was established from embryos of the mosquito Anopheles albimanus. The primary culture was initiated in April, 1995, and the first passage was made 48 days later. Serial subcultures of the cells have been carried through 90 passages from April 1995 to February 1996. The cells were grown at 28ºC in MK/VP12 medium, supplement with 20 per cent fetal bovine serum; the pH tolerance ranged between 6.8 to 7.0. The cells have also been adapted to MM/Vp12 medium under the same pH, temperature and serum concentration. The majority of the cells were a fibroblast-type. Isoenzyme characterization showed a pattern similar to that of An. albimanus pupae and adults but distinct from Ae. taeniorhynchus and Ae. albopictus (C6/36) mosquito cell lines. The culture was shown to be free of mycoplasma, bacteria and fungi. Microsporidia contamination of transovarial transmission was controlled with 6.0 µg/ml of albendazole.