TUMOR PROMOTER 12-O-TETRADECANOYLPHORBOL-13-ACETATE STIMULATES LACTATE PRODUCTION IN BALB-C 3T3 PREADIPOSE CELLS

The tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), which reversibly inhibits the adipose conversion of BALB c 3T3 preadipose cells, increases lactate production by these cells. The stimulation of lactate production requires 4-7 days for optimal effect. Once TPA is removed from the cultures, the rate of lactate production falls to control levels. The concentration dependence for the TPA-mediated stimulation of lactate production is similar to that for its inhibitory effect on adipose conversion. Exogenous lactate in the absence of TPA also inhibits adipose conversion. These results suggest that the ability of TPA to interfere with the normal pattern of glucose metabolism may be important in the inhibitory effect of TPA on triglyceride accumulation in these cells. © 1979.