This cell line was established in 1982 by Carney D and Gazdar AF, among others, from the pleural effusion of a patient with small cell lung cancer. The original morphology of the cells did not exhibit characteristics typical of small cell lung cancer. This cell strain is a biochemical and morphological variant of small cell lung cancer, expressing neuron-specific enolase and the brain-type isoenzyme of creatine kinase; however, levels of L-DOPA decarboxylase, bombesin, antidiuretic hormone, oxytocin, or gastrin-releasing peptide were not detectable. Compared to normal cells, this cell line shows approximately 20-fold amplification of the c-myc DNA sequence and a 15-fold increase in RNA. The original culture medium used for subculturing was RPMI 1640 containing 5% FBS, supplemented with 10 nM hydrocortisone, 0.005 mg/ml insulin, and 0.01 mg/ml transferrin.

Cell Name: Human small cell lung cancer cell line (STR authenticated)

Cell Synonyms: NCI-H446; H446; H-446; NCI-446; NCIH446

Catalogue No.: TCH-C285

Species: Human
Tissue Origin: Lung
Disease Characteristic: Lung Cancer
Morphology: Epithelial-like
Growth Characteristics: Both adherent and suspension cells are present, predominantly adherent
Culture System: RPMI-1640 + 10% FBS + 1% GlutaMAX + 1% Sodium Pyruvate + 1% Penicillin-Streptomycin
Matching Medium No.: TCH-G285

Passage Ratio: 1:3–1:6, change medium every 2–3 days

Doubling Time: 48–72 hours
Culture Conditions: Atmosphere: 95% air + 5% CO₂, Temperature: 37°C
Cryopreservation Conditions: 60% basal medium + 30% FBS + 10% DMSO, stored in liquid nitrogen

Quality Control: Negative for bacteria, fungi, and mycoplasma