EFFECT OF GROWTH HORMONE AND AN ANABOLIC STEROID ON HYDROXYPROLINE IN HEALING DERMAL WOUNDS IN RATS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Various fractions of hydroxyproline were determined in intact skin and in surgical dermal wounds of rats treated or not with one of two hormones: bovine growth hormone and anabolic steroid methandrostenolone. Serum hydroxyproline was also studied in these rats. Sampling was done prior to surgery, and at the end of the first and third weeks following operation. It was assumed that with the methods used, some information may be obtained regarding the synthesis and breakdown of collagen at early stage of wound healing. Presence of dermal wound was associated with significant increase of saline-extractable and total hydroxyproline in the skin distant from the healing wound. These fractions were also elevated in the scars. Growth hormone produced a significant increase in all extractable fractions and total hydroxyproline of both skin and scar. Serum hydroxyproline was also elevated in rats treated with growth hormone. These changes were considered due to the action of growth hormone on both synthesis and breakdown of collagen. The action of anabolic steroid on tissue hydroxyproline was generally comparable to that of growth hormone, but was much less marked. Methandrostenolone did not affect serum hydroxyproline content under the conditions of this experiment.