The effect of ionizing irradiation on the collagen general metabolism in normal and adrenalectomized rats.

The effect of doses of 100, 250, 500, and 700 R on the urinary excretion of hydroxyproline in normal and adrenalectomized rats was followed over a period of 30 days. Urinary hydroxyproline is decreased by 100 and 250 R doses and increased by those of a 500 and 700 R. The first effect is explained by an increase of the insolubility of collagen as a result of the appearance of additional intermolecular crosslinkages, and the second one by breakage of the mentioned linkages. Adrenalectomized rats, both normal and irradiated, show a more significant decrease in the urinary excretion of hydroxyproline. Results are discussed on the basis of related bibliography, outlining the practical utility of the research.