The utilization of sterols and other lipids by insect cells grown in vitro

Cells derived from Antheraea eucalypti were grown in vitro in a medium containing triglycerides, diglycerides, free fatty acids, and sterols as the main ‘neutral’ lipids. The sterol content of the medium was derived chiefly from the haemolymph component. The ‘neutral’ lipids in the cells were triglycerides, free fatty acids, and sterols. During growth over 6 days there was a quantitative balance between cholesterol and β-sitosterol gained by the cells and those sterols removed from the medium when allowance was made for losses from sterile medium. Cells metabolized more triglycerides and free fatty acids than they incorporated.