GROWTH OF FIBROBLASTS AND HYDROGEN ION CONCENTRATION OF THE MEDIUM

1. The rate of growth of fibroblasts is markedly modified by slight changes in the hydrogen ion concentration of the medium. The curves expressing the rate of growth in function of the hydrogen ion concentration of the medium are nearly symmetrical on both sides of the maximum. 2. The optimum growth of fibroblasts occurs at pH 7.4 to 7.8. A slight change from this reaction has a remarkable influence on the rate of growth. 3. Fibroblasts show more resistance to higher alkalinity than to higher acidity. They grew for only four to six generations in a medium having a pH of 5.5, and for more than ten generations in one of 8.5. 4. The influence of different hydrogen ion concentrations on fibroblasts was only of a quantitative nature.