Stimulation of glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis by amyloid fibrils.

Since amyloid-laden organs have an increased glycosaminoglycan content, the effect of amyloid fibrils on glycosaminoglycan metabolism by normal fibroblasts was examined. In comparison with controls, synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, primarily hyaluronic acid, was increased by an average of 48 and 93% respectively when 0.1 and 1.0 mg of amyloid fibrils/ml was added to the cultures.