Abstract
Summary
The effect of zinc sulfate on collagen biosynthesis and fibroblast proliferation has been studied in a tissue culture model system using human skin fibroblasts. Addition of zinc sulfate to newly established (low density) cultures in concentrations of 10-4 to 10-8 M results in concentration-dependent cytotoxicity with inhibition of collagen biosynthesis, as well as cellular proliferation. Zinc sulfate at 10-4 to 10-7 M added to confluent (high density) cultures does not influence cellular proliferation, but results in selective inhibition of collagen biosynthesis at the 10-4 M concentration. Lower concentrations of zinc sulfate (10-5 to 10-7 M) do not affect collagen biosynthesis in high density cultures. The results show that zinc does not have a direct acceleratory effect on either cellular proliferation or collagen biosynthesis in human skin fibroblasts in vitro.
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