BETA-LACTOGLOBULIN PART IN MITOGENIC ACTIVITY OF BOVINE WHEY

Bovine whey is able to replace fetal calf serum (FCS) in short-term hybridoma culture (48 h). Beta-lactoglobulin (major protein of bovine whey) with a level of almost-equal-to 3 g/l variant A or A/B has the same effect as that of whey on DNA synthesis. The activity of variant B is significantly lower. The optimal mitogenic activity of variant A, A/B and B is obtained at concentrations of 3 g/l, 3 g/l and 0.75 g/l respectively. For monitoring cellular proliferation in long-term culture, the whey must be supplemented with 1% FCS. Beta-lactoglobulin variant A/B at 2.7 g/l (with 1% FCS) also promotes long-term proliferation and can replace whey. Beta-lactoglobulin or FCS (1%) used independently does not ensure cell survival.