Abstract
This study was performed to elucidate the effect of high glucose concentrations (HGs) on the proliferation, cytotoxicity, attachment and spreading of cultured mesangial cells, and also to examine whether hypertonicity and the enhanced polyol pathway contribute to these abnormalities.
At HGs, both cell count and [3H]-thymidine uptake were lower than at low glucose concentrations (LGs). A high mannitol concentration (HM) had a similar effect with less effect on [3H] thymidine uptake than HG. Reduced [3H]-thymidine uptake, i.e., decreased proliferation induced by HGs was not restored by epalrestat. On the other hand, increased [51Cr]-release and inhibition of cell attachment and spreading were observed at HGs, but not at HMs. These abnormalities were prevented by epalrestat.
In conclusion, HG brought about decreased proliferation, increased cytotoxicity and impaired attachment and spreading of mesangial cells. It is assumed that the alterations in cytotoxicity, cell attachment and spreading under HG conditions are linked to the enhanced polyol pathway.
