The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 59, Issue 8 1065-1067, Copyright © 1977 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
Turnover of collagen in the adult rat after denervation
L Klein, MH Dawson and KG Heiple
Unilateral denervation of the hind limb in a group of adult rats prelabeled
with radioactive proline induced a significant turnover of collagen in
tendons, ligaments, menisci, and bones. After two or three months of
disuse, there were significant losses (15 to 29 per cent) of old collagen
from the four structures studied. Dilution of the radioactivity of the old
collagen with new collagen involved partial to complete replacement of 3 to
20 per cent. The incomplete replacement of destroyed collagen with new
collagen resulted in a net decrease of collagen mass ranging from 5 to 14
per cent. A significant turnover of collagen in two-year-old rats that
showed little loss in collagen mass means that the new collagen produced
would have fewer cross-links and would probably be weaker than the old,
mature collagen.