Effects of pantothenic acid on fibroblastic cell cultures

To evaluate the effects of pantothenic acid during wound healing processes, fibroblastic cell cultures originating from foreskin were established and subcultured by trypsinization. PA (40 micrograms/ml) was added to the basal culture medium. The cell proliferation was estimated by cell count and determination of 3H-thymidine incorporation. The protein synthesis and secretion were determined by dosage in the cells and in the culture medium. When PA was added to the medium, a significant increase of cell proliferation and of 3H-thymidine incorporation was observed mainly during the first few days. PA also stimulated intracellular protein synthesis, but did not induce a release of proteins in the culture medium. The exact mechanism involved in this phenomenon remains unclear at this time.