Effect of LDL from smokers and non-smokers on cell mass, proliferation, and collagen secretion by rabbit smooth muscle cells and human skin fibroblasts in culture.

The effects of low density lipoproteins (LDL) from non-smokers and heavy smokers on rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells and human skin fibroblasts in culture were studied. The addition of LDL in increasing concentrations resulted in a decrease in cell mass. When data correction for cell loss was made, collagen secretion and cell proliferation were found to have been increased by LDL. The two different cell types used did not differ in their response to LDL. The effect of LDL from smokers and non-smokers was the same. Thus there was no indication of growth stimulation by factors carried by LDL from smokers, i.e. lipid-soluble hydro-carbons--mutagens.