Influence of concomitant treatment with D-penicillamine and beta-aminopropionitrile on mechanical properties of rat connective tissue (author's transl)

Abstract

In order to study the influence of D-penicillamine (DPA) and beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) as well as of a combination of both substances (proportion by weight 1:1) on the collagen of skin, aorta, and femoral epiphysial cartilage, the mechanical properties of these fibrous organs were examined, after having performed tests on onset and dissipation of action, measured by the decrease of ultimate load of excised strips of skin using the two individual compounds. The action of 320 mg/kg of DPA sets in within 7 days reaching a maximum value after 14 days. After discontinuance of the substance the control values are reached within 15 days. BAPN shows its maximal effect on the 18th test day. After discontinuance of treatment the control value is not reached within 35 days. DPA and BAPN show organo-specific actions: DPA has a considerably stronger influence on the collagen of skin than on the collagen of the aorta; under the present test conditions it does, however, not affect the collagen of the distal femoral epiphysial cartilage. As compared to DPA, BAPN exerts a less pronounced influence on the collagen of the skin, similar influence on the collagen of the aorta, and a strong influence on the collagen of the distal femoral epiphysial cartilage. If both substances are administered together, the organospecific actions of DPA on the one hand and BAPN on the other hand are maintained. It is discussed whether the different chemical compositions of the collagen (Type I--IV) may be connected with the organospecific effects of the test substances.