Effect of Indomethacin and Naproxen on the Metabolism of Collagen in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis

The effect of indomethadn and naproxen on collagen metabolism was studied in arthritic animals after an injection of [3H]-proline, both the specific and total radioactivity of [3H]-hydroxyproiine being determined in skin collagen fractions and in urine. It was found that collagen synthesis and conversion of soluble to insoluble collagen are diminished, accompanied by an increased collagen degradation in untreated arthritic animals. Administration of indomethadn and naproxen to arthritic animals accelerated the synthesis of collagen and conversion of soluble to insoluble collagen and inhibitied the catabolism of collagen.