Establishment and characterization of the first Cuvier's Beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) in vitro model based on the muscle-derived cell line

Abstract In this study we present for the first time, an in vitro model based on a muscle-derived cell line from a Cuvier's Beaked whale male. This cell line represents a new opportunity to testing toxic effects of water pollutants, in Cuvier's Beaked living cells. Cell line characterization included karyotyping, assessment of growth rate and ultrastructural analysis. The population doubling time was determined to be ~54 h. The karyotype analysis revealed the presence chromosomes pairs 2n = 42. Immunohistochemical studies showed that cells express actin, vimentin and desmin. This cell line, represents a new opportunity to understand the physiological of the Ziphius cells and provide a novel in vitromodel to investigate alterations due to waters pollutants.