ESTABLISHMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF 3 CELL-LINES FROM AEDES-TRISERIATUS (DIPTERA, CULICIDAE)

Three cell lines (A.t. GRIP-1, 2, and 3) were established from Aedes triseriatus (Say) embryonated eggs or neonate larvae and their morphology, growth, karyotype, and isozyme pattern were studied. The isozyme alleles observed in the 3 cell lines also were found in adults of the original mosquito colony. Each cell line differed in enzymatic, morphological, and karyotypical patterns. La Crosse encephalitis (LAC) and snowshoe hare (SSH) viruses, members of the California encephalitis virus group, were able to replicate in these 3 cell lines. Furthermore, these cell lines, especially A.t. GRIP-1, were more sensitive than the Aedes aegypti (L.) (ATC 10) cell line for detection of small amounts of delta-endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis serovar. israelensis (de Barjac).