Adaptation of human diploid fibroblasts in vitro to serum from different sources.

This research article studies the effects of using different types of serum (newborn bovine, bovine calf or horse serum) on the growth of human skin fibroblast cell lines initially grown in foetal bovine serum. The study reports negative impacts due to this serum change and advises caution when switching serums, even in times of resource shortage or high cost.

Background of the Research

• The research centers around the study of human skin fibroblast cell growth in different types of serum. Fibroblasts are a type of cell that synthesize the extracellular matrix and collagen, the structural framework for animal tissues, and play a vital role in wound healing.
• Traditionally, these cells have been grown in a medium supplemented with foetal bovine serum. However, due to certain reasons such as scarcity or high costs, alternatives including newborn bovine serum, bovine calf serum, or horse serum are being considered.

Observations and Findings

• The results of this study show that the growth of fibroblast cell lines was negatively impacted when the switch was made from foetal bovine serum to alternative serums.
• These adverse effects included a prolonged generation time, increased cell volume, and decreased plating efficiencies. The switch caused the cells to grow at a slower rate, become larger in size, and less likely to adhere to surfaces and grow into colonies, which influences the cell multiplication process.
• In general, the most severe negative impacts were found with the growth in bovine calf or horse serum. This indicates that not all alternative serums have the same effect on cell growth and that some may be more harmful than others.

Implications and Conclusion

• The findings of this research serve as a caution for those considering switching human fibroblast cultures from foetal bovine serum to alternative serums.
• Even in instances of high prices or scarcity of foetal bovine serum, investigators should be aware and careful of the potential negative impacts that alternative serums can have on the growth of human skin fibroblast cell lines.
• The study, therefore, encourages further investigation and testing before making such a switch. It suggests that the decision should not be based solely on cost or availability factors.