Increased sulfate uptake in skin fibroblasts isolated from cystic fibrosis patients.

Sulfate uptake into skin fibroblasts from patients with cystic fibrosis is increased. Sulfate transport studies were carried out in skin fibroblasts isolated from age/sex matched cystic fibrosis and normal subjects. Sulfate transport occurred mainly via a carrier-mediated proton-stimulated S04(2)-/Cl-exchange. The capacity (Vmax) of the uptake system operating at physiological concentrations of sulfate was stimulated in cystic fibrosis, but the affinity of the carrier for sulfate was not altered.