Drastic Morphological Change without Loss of Viability in Ehrlich Ascites Tumour Cells after Incubation with Strongly Diluted Formaldehyde

Abstract

As is repeatedly stated^1–4, living virulent Ehrlich ascites tumour cells (EATC) incubated several hours at 37° C in 0.9 per cent sodium chloride show normal appearance (round cell forms, Fig. 1) and do not lose their viability and virulence. But living virulent EATC, incubated at 37° C, 1–2 h, with strongly diluted watery formaldehyde solution, show a peculiar drastic reaction of their aspect without dying off. This reaction differs in principle from the damage caused by anti-Ehrlich-immuno serum, or severe osmotic damage which both lead to death of the cells.