Effect of hydrocortisone on the growth of human bone marrow fibroblasts

Fibroblast-like cells may be grown from human bone marrow. Adherent cultures show a logarithmic phase of growth lasting 6 d. Hydrocortisone (1 x 10(-8) M) decreases cell growth in 40-60% when measured as cell number and DNA synthesis. Fibroblasts bind the hormone by a high affinity, saturable process showing a Kd of 2.2 x 10(-8) M and an average binding capacity of 92 fmol/mg protein. These findings suggest the involvement of glucocorticoids in the regulation and differentiation processes in bone marrow stromal cells.