Serotonin and Ribonucleic Acid and Collagen Metabolism of Fibroblasts in Vitro 1

Abstract

Summary

Serotonin when added to mouse (3T6) and human embryo lung fibroblasts in culture at a medium concentration of 10^-6 M affects RNA and collagen syntheses. The effect differs depending upon the stage of cell culture when serotonin is added. During rapid cell growth, serotonin reduces the uptake of ³H-uridine into RNA and ³H-proline into protein, while serotonin added to the cells after the logarithmic growth phase stimulates the synthesis of RNA and protein. In stimulating RNA synthesis, serotonin seems to affect predominantly the species of RNA that are involved in protein synthesis, the 30s and tRNA. At no time did serotonin affect protein or collagen synthesis without a parallel response in RNA synthesis.

The authors are pleased to acknowledge the review of the manuscript and helpful comments of Dr. Antero So.