Changes in the synthesis, distribution and sulphation of glycosaminoglycans of cultured human skin fibroblasts upon ascorbate feeding.

The effect of ascorbic acid on the synthesis, distribution and sulphation of glycosaminoglycans by human skin fibroblasts has been examined. Medium was supplemented with ascorbate over several days, and cultures incubated with [3H]glucosamine and Na2(35)SO4 for 48 h, followed by analysis of the glycosaminoglycans in the medium, in collagenase and trypsin extracts, and in cell fractions. Ascorbate feeding resulted in a reduction in hyaluronate synthesis, which was the main 3H-labelled component and was distributed mainly in the medium fractions. Sulphated glycosaminoglycans showed a reduction in incorporation of 3H label, but increased sulphation following ascorbate feeding. In control cultures 53% of 3H-labelled sulphated glycosaminoglycans and 63% of 35S-labelled glycosaminoglycans were present in the medium fraction, while in ascorbate-fed cultures, 41% of 3H label and 38% 35S label were incorporated into medium-sulphated glycosaminoglycans. Ascorbate also caused an increase in cell density and in collagen production and deposition.