Effects of corticosteroids on the growth and metabolism of fibroblasts cultured from human skin.

Hydrocortisone, betamethasone 17-valerate, clobetasone butyrate and clobetasol propionate were tested in vitro for effects on the proliferation and metabolism of six strains of fibroblasts from normal human skin. The different cell strains gave similar results: hydrocortisone and betamethasone valerate slightly enhanced growth at all concentrations (0.0001-10 microgram/ml), but high concentrations of clobetasone butyrate and clobetasol propionate significantly reduced proliferation. Secretion of acid mucopolysaccharide was most inhibited by clobetasone butyrate and clobetasol propionate, then by betamethasone valerate, with hydrocortisone having the least effect. Clobetasol propionate and betamethasone valerate at 10 microgram/ml both reduced collagen synthesis by about 50%; other protein synthesis was less affected.