Cystic fibrosis: Demonstration of an abnormality in mucopolysaccharides in cultured lymphoid lines

Cultured lymphoid cells of both homozygotes and heterozygotes for cystic fibrosis could be distinguished from those of normals by (1) growth pattern, gross clumping, and (2) a relative increase in dermatan sulfate, with a normal total mucopolysaccharide content. Lines derived from the genetic mucopolysaccharidoses also had these characteristics, but their total mucopolysaccharide content was markedly increased. These observations support the hypothesis that the cellular disturbance in cystic fibrosis resides in those cellular regions whose functions would be altered by mucopolysaccharide composition.This research was made possible through a grant from The National Foundation-March of Dimes and, in part, supported by The Cystic Fibrosis Children's Fund and The National Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation.Career Scientist of the Health Research Council of New York City (I-797).