Acid mucopolysaccharides in fibroblast cultures. 1. Influence of cell density, pH-value and lactate concentration on the MPS distribution pattern.

From cells and culture media of embryonic rat fibroblasts (1st subculture) the acid mucopolysaccharides were isolated and fractionated. The per cent calculation of the 6 fractions was based on the content of glucuronic acid. The cultures were maintained as follows: 0.5 X 10(6) to 3 X 10(6) cells were examined in Demeter flasks at pH 7.4 or 6.6; lactate concentration was enhanced to 100 mg%. The amount of each fraction was correlated with the cell density (linear regression). The pH-value and lactate concentration in connection with cell density proved to be important factors in the modification of the MPS distribution pattern.