Effects of Oxytetracycline on Solubility and Synthesis of Collagen in Young Rats

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Abstract
In a recent study we demonstrated that the antibiotic oxytetracycline reduces both growth and mechanical strength of bone and skin in young rats. the present study deals with the effects of 14 days of oxytetracycline medication on salt solubility of collagen (cross-linking) and conversion of 14C-proline to 14C-hydroxyproline in collagen (synthesis). At the end of the medication period, significantly higher solubility of collagen was found in the femurs and skin of rats receiving oxytetracycline than in controls. No effect of the antibiotic on the rate of collagen synthesis could be demonstrated. These findings may indicate that oxytetracycline in young rats causes reduced mechanical strength of bone and skin by interfering with the cross-linking of collagen.

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