Cell density affects prolidase and prolinase activity and intracellular amino acid levels in cultured human cells.

Prolidase (EC 3.4.13.9) and prolinase (EC 3.4.13.8) and intracellular amino acid levels in cultured human cells increased when cell density rose. Firstly, two normal fibroblast strains were continuously cultured for 21 days and these parameters were measured on days 3, 7, 10, 14, 17 and 21 after plating. Prolidase, prolinase and amino acid levels varied considerably depending on the duration of culture and growth rate. Secondly, we studied the action of different cadmium and cobalt concentrations on prolidase activity. These two effectors altered this enzyme activity, but secondarily to modifying cell density. Thirdly, prolidase activity was investigated in 8 control amniotic cell strains, with a view to prenatal diagnosis of inherited prolidase deficiency, and we noted the same cell density interference. Due to the large variations related to cell density, we recommend specifying the number of cells per unit surface, and avoiding the term 'cells at confluency' which is unduly vague.