Stimulation of human fetal astrocyte proliferation by bacterial lipopolysaccharides and lipid A

This report concerns the effect of bacterial endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide(LPS) and lipid A] on cultured human fetal astrocytes. Exposure to 1 micrograms/ml LPS or lipid A caused a striking stimulation of the rate of proliferation of the cells. The effect was most pronounced with exponentially growing cultures. Stimulation was associated with enhance DNA synthesis as ascertained by [3H]thymidine incorporation. These findings at the cellular level may be of relevance in the elucidation of the effects of bacterial endotoxins on the developing human brain.