Relaxin and collagen metabolism.

The influence of the peptide hormone relaxin on collagen metabolism was studied in the symphysis pubis of the mouse. In the tissue the content of water and of acid soluble collagen in relation to total collagen is increased by hormonal treatment. Total collagen calculated in relation to the dry weight is decreased. Collagenase which was also detected in the symphyses of the controls is slightly enhanced. In serum collagen peptidase and collagen peptidase inhibitor as well as cyclic AMP exhibit distinctly increased levels. The effects can be suppressed by administration of relaxin-specific antisera. The data make clear that in the symphysis relaxin activates the collagenolytic system.