Influence of dextran macromolecules on the glycosaminoglycan metabolism of cultured corneal stroma and keratoconus fibroblast.

The addition of dextran macromolecules to the incubation medium at 1% and 10% concentration does not cause any alteration of sulphated glycosaminoglycan synthesis or its distribution within the various cell compartments. This is in contrast to observations on a serum-free and dextran-enriched medium in which glycosaminoglycan distribution of stored corneal tissue remains normal and the concentration of keratan sulphate is maintained. The mechanism of this action is unknown. Some experimental findings of the influence of dextran upon cell metabolism are discussed.