Effect of β-Propiolactone and Thiomersal on Growth of B.H.K. Cells in the Hamster Cheek Pouch

Abstract

THE use of tissue cultures of continuous cell-lines for preparing vaccines poses a number of problems which are assumed not to exist when primary cell-cultures are used. Undoubtedly the most interesting aspect requiring clarification is the potential of these cells to multiply when inoculated into an animal. There are several factors which could have a bearing on this, in particular the physical treatment that the cells undergo during the preparation of a vaccine. This treatment is probably most severe in the preparation of inactivated vaccines, and we have examined the various stages of this process to determine their effect.