Influence of prostaglandins E1 and E2 on collagen metabolism in adjuvant induced arthritis

Abstract In rats with adjuvant induced arthritis, the influence of PGE1 and PGE2 on collagen metabolism was investigated after an injection of 3H-proline, both the specific and total radioactivity of 3H-hydroxyproline being determined in skin collagen fractions and in urine. In untreated animals with adjuvant induced arthritis, a decrease in the collagen synthesis accompanied by a retardation in the conversion of soluble to insoluble collagen was observed. It was also found that the catabolism of collagen is intensified. Subcutaneous administration of PGE1 (1 mg/kg body weight twice daily) to arthritic animals accelerated the conversion of soluble to insoluble collagen and inhibited the catabolism of collagen, but remained ineffective on the decreased synthesis of collagen observed in arthritic animals. PGE2 normalised the changes in collagen metabolism - accelerated the synthesis of collagen and the conversion of soluble to insoluble collagen and inhibited the catabolism of collagen.