title: Ascorbate concentration in osteoblastic cells is elevated by transforming growth factor-beta.
abstract: Transforming growth factor-beta modulates the proliferation, differentiation, and synthetic activity of osteoblasts, but its mechanisms of action are not fully understood. Because ascorbate also influences osteoblast differentiation and is a cofactor for collagen synthesis, the present study examined the effect of transforming growth factor-beta on the initial rate of transport and steady-state concentration of ascorbate in an osteoblastic cell line. UMR-106 rat osteosarcoma cells accumulated reduced vitamin C from culture medium. Virtually all accumulation of ascorbate was accomplished by a saturable Na(+)-dependent transport mechanism. Transforming growth factor-beta increased the initial rate of ascorbate transport, measured in either attached or suspended cells. Within 24 h, the growth factor also increased the steady-state intracellular concentration of ascorbate, without significantly changing cell volume or the DNA or protein content of cultures. These data provide evidence that Na(+)-ascorbate cotransport activity controls ascorbate concentration in osteoblasts. Furthermore, the results indicate that both the transport rate and steady-state concentration of ascorbate in these cells are regulated by transforming growth factor-beta.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
authors.forename: J X
authors.initials: JX
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Dixon
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000379:methods; D006706:Homeostasis; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D013997:Time Factors; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
chemical_list: D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D001205:Ascorbic Acid