Propagation of Conjunctival and HeLa Cells in Various Carbohydrate Media. ∗

Abstract

Summary

1) Under the described experimental conditions, both conjunctival and HeLa cells propagated satisfactorily in the following individual carbohydrates: starch, glycogen, maltose, d-glucose, d-fructose, d-mannose and d(+)galactose. Cell propagation in sucrose depended largely on source of dialyzed serum. Sodium pyruvate, sodium lactate, d-ribose and d(+)xylose were unable to support cell multiplication, though cell degeneration in the presence of these carbohydrates and intermediates was definitely retarded. L(+)rhamnose, l(-)fucose and l-sorbose appeared to delay the degeneration of the HeLa cells more effectively than that of the conjunctival cells. Lactose, l(-)xylose, d(-)arabinose, l(+)arabinose, d-2-deoxyribose, i-erythritol and dihydroxyacetone neither supported growth nor retarded degeneration. 2) Glucose at low concentration of 0.1 mM is capable of supporting cell growth for at least several months. Net increase in number of cells at a concentration of 0.1 mM is significantly lower than that in 10 mM glucose. When pyruvate and alanine were added to the medium, the concentration of glucose could be further reduced to 0.01 mM without resulting in cell degeneration. D-mannose and d(+) galactose both at 0.01 mM concentrations, and d-fructose at somewhat higher concentration, are effective substitutes for glucose.