Characteristics of the spontaneous cancer-stromal cell fusion.

Abstract

<p>RL-1 cells (<b>A</b>) and HPS-15 cells (<b>B</b>) are shown in separate culture. After 7 days of co-culture, spontaneous fusion could be seen (<b>C</b>). At higher magnification, the fused cell contained two nuclei, one fluorescently red and the other fluorescently pale (<b>D</b>). Cancer-stromal fusion was frequently seen in areas where RL-1 and HPS-15 formed close contact (<b>E</b>). In some cases, cells in the middle of a fusion could be seen (<b>F</b>). The two nuclei could be seen close to each other (<b>G</b>) or separated (<b>H</b>). For each view, a phase contrast image (top) and red fluorescence image (bottom) are shown. Arrows are used to indicate nuclei.</p