Rat aortic smooth muscle cells in culture were exposed to various concentrations of iron and magnesium in order to assess their effects on cell proliferation, glucose consumption and lactate production.
Glucose consumption and lactate production were enhanced in the early stage of both exponential and stationary phases of cell growth.
Iron at physiological concentrations (10-5M), or more, was effective to promote the proliferation of cells and to increase glucose consumption and lactate production.
The maximal stimulation to cell proliferation and glucose consumption by magnesium was observed at approximately 10% of physiological concentrations, whereas lactate production was most increased at 10 times the physiological concentrations.
