Abstract
Human bone cells were cultured and transformed by SV40 virus. The trabecular bone samples of the femur obtained from surgery of a total hip replacement were prepared for cultures. Heterogenic bone cells were coexisted in early cultures. Cells with alkaline phosphatase activity were transformed by SV40 virus treatment. The cells contained abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, free ribosomes, and irregularly shaped nucleus with heterochromatin. Mitotic figures were prominent. In extracellular space, collagen fibrils and electron dense materials, probably calcified substance, were noted. The cells were considered to be osteoblasts or osteocytes.
