[Effects of ionizing radiation on the content of total collagen and its fractions and the activity of collagenolytic enzymes in rat tissues].

Changes in collagen fractions as well as in the activity of leucocytic collagenase and collagenolytic cathepsin of rats after 30 days of gamma-rays exposure were examined. A statistically significant decrease in total collagen content resulting from the reduction of salt--soluble (NSC) and acid--soluble (ASC) collagen fractions was found. An increased content of insoluble collagen fraction (ISC) may confirm the opinion about stimulative gamma-rays influence upon cross--links formation. An increase in collagenolytic enzymes activity may account for an elevated degradation of collagen; with a contribution of leucocytic collagenase and collagenolytic cathepsin. Perhaps the quantitative increase in insoluble collagen stimulates elevated biosynthesis of collagenolytic enzymes determining the process of protein degradation. Further investigations are needed to explain the radiobiological effects of gamma-rays on the connective tissue.