Effects of Econazole, Fungizone and Pimafucin on cell growth, lysosomal enzyme activity and sulphate metabolism of cultured human skin fibroblasts and amniotic fluid cells.

Human skin fibroblasts and amniotic fluid cells showed sensitivity to antifungal agents in the order Econazole less than Pimafucin less than Fungizone, with the last initially reducing cell growth 10-20%, even at the level recommended for cell culture. The activities of the lysosomal enzymes alpha-L-fucosidase, beta-D-glucuronidase and alpha-D-mannosidase were unaffected, even by high concentrations of all three antifungal agents. Sulphate incorporation by cultured fibroblasts was increased by removal of sulphate salts and Crystamycin (contains streptomycin sulphate) from the culture medium. Sulphate incorporation into and degradation from macromolecules was only slightly reduced by antifungal agents. Human skin fibroblasts and amniotic fluid cells can be cultured long term in the presence of Econazole or Fungizone and used for lysosomal enzyme assay and sulphate kinetic studies.