Leukocyte-connective tissue cell interaction. I. Stimulation of hyaluronate synthesis by live and dead leukocytes

Abstract

During the interaction of fibroblasts and leukocytes in vitro, there was a two- to sixfold increase in the total amount of hyaluronate formed, and a corresponding increase in the rate (pg./cell/day) of hyaluronate synthesis. Increased glucose uptake from the culture medium (two- to fourfold) was associated with stimulation of hyaluronate formation. Cultures receiving leukocytes suffered an 8 to 33 per cent decrement in the fibroblast population. Leukocytes themselves consumed little glucose and produced no detectable hyaluronate. Viable and non-viable lymphocytes and PMN's induced qualitatively similar behavioral alterations in synovial fibroblasts. Fibroblasts from normal and rheumatoid joints responded similarly to WBC. Normal and rheumatoid WBC had similar potential for altering the behavior of fibroblasts in vitro. Erythrocytes had little effect on fibroblast cultures.