Fusion of dissociated fish embryonic cells.

The induction of a frequent fusion in dissociated fish embryonic cells is reported. Fusion was induced during mechanical isolation of blastomeres in normal saline solution or Ca2+-free saline solution by quickly bringing about physical contact between cells within about 1-5 min of dissociation. Fused blastomeres were obtained in about 18% yield from early morula cells in about 68% yield from early blastula cells and in about 5% yield from early gastrula cells.