[Effect of carbon disulfide on the metabolism of connective tissue of rats' aorta and lungs].

Female Wistar rats were exposed to CS2 for 13 months. Afterwards collagen and elastin content in aorta and lungs was determined. In addition, collagen and non-collagen protein biosynthesis was determined using 14-C glycine incorporation to proteins. Collagen and elastin content in aorta wall and elastin concentration in lungs were found to be increased. Isotopic method indicated that the specific activity of collagen in aorta wall was increased and activity of pulmonary collagen and non-collagen proteins of aorta and lungs was decreased. The above is indicative of: lowered biosynthesis of noncollagen proteins of aorta and lungs, increased biosynthesis of aorta collagen and increased biosynthesis of aorta and lung elastin. Increased biosynthesis of collagen and elastin in aorta may suggest a possibility of CS2 atherogenic effects.