EFFECT OF GROWTH HORMONE AND OF AN ANABOLIC STEROID ON EXCRETION OF HYDROXYPROLINE IN THE URINE OF RATS

Abstract

ABSTRACT A bovine growth hormone and an anabolic steroid, methandrostenolone, were tested for their ability to stimulate collagen metabolism in rats. Urinary excretion of hydroxyproline, considered as an index of collagen metabolism, was determined prior to, during and after the treatment of animals with these hormones. Food intake and body weights were recorded daily in treated rats and in untreated controls. A significant increase in body weight was observed in the treated rats as compared with the controls. Both hormones significantly stimulated the excretion of urinary hydroxyproline in rats. It is assumed that both hormones affect the excretion of hydroxyproline through its action on metabolically active soluble collagen, and through its stimulation of the turnover of mature collagen.