Growth rate of cultured human fibroblasts increased by glucocorticoids.

Selected glucocorticoids have been demonstrated to increase the growth rate of human skin fibroblasts in culture, over a physiologically significant concentration range. At the same concentrations and identical conditions, the glucocorticoid compounds tested inhibited the growth rate of mouse L-929 cells. We have discussed currently acceptable theories of glucocorticoid mechanism of action that permit this dichotomous effect, the main point being that inhibition can no longer be regarded as the only response of fibroblasts to glucocorticoids. Conclusions drawn from observations of cell cultures affected by addition of glucocorticoids must have considered the source of the cells, as response may vary with source and biologic state of the cells in culture.