The effect of beta-aminopropionitrile on bleomycin-induced lung injury in rats.

The effect of beta-aminopropionitrile on collagen cross-links, lysyl oxidase and prolyl hydroxylase and particular collagen type content in rat lungs after bleomycin treatment was investigated. It was stated, that beta-aminopropionitrile significantly diminishes elevated dihydroxylysinonorleucine to hydroxylysinonorleucine ratio, prevented increase of lysyl oxidase activity and increase in type I collagen content in the lungs. It is suggested, that beta-aminopropionitrile may be useful in the treatment of lung fibrosis.