Stimulation of DNA synthesis in kidney epithelial cells in culture by potassium.

The hypothesis that the K+ concentration of extracellular fluid is a determinant of renal DNA synthesis was examined in quiescent, high-density cultures of monkey kidney epithelial cells of the BSC-1 line. The addition of KCl to the medium increased the number of cells engaged in DNA synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner. The capacity of K+ to stimulate DNA synthesis in a greater number of cells was additive with exogenous NaCl and calf serum and was associated with an increment in the steady-state cell K+ content. Studies with other monovalent cations indicated that the stimulatory effect of K+ on DNA synthesis was not mediated by increments in the chloride concentration or osmotic pressure of the medium. The addition of K+ to confluent cultures was associated with a concentration-dependent increase in cell multiplication. The commitment of cells to increased multiplication required exposure of the culture to added KCl for longer than 3 but not more than 6 h. Addition of KCl to cultures of mouse fibroblasts did not alter DNA synthesis, multiplication, or cell K+ content. These observations indicate that increased availability of K+ in the extracellular fluid can stimulate DNA synthesis in kidney epithelial cells in culture.