Effects of 17.beta.-estradiol on the biosynthesis of collagen in cultured bovine aortic smooth muscle cells

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Abstract
The effect of 17.beta.-estradiol (E2) on the biosynthesis of collagen in cultured bovine aortic smooth muscle cells was explored. Cells treated with various concentrations of the hormone for 14 days following subcultivation were subjected to growth studies. The cultures were evaluated for [14C]hydroxyproline formation, the presence of collagenase-susceptible protein, prolyl hydroxylase activity and procollagen types. There was no effect of E2 on the growth of these cells. At 10-8 M E2, the hydroxylation of proline compared to control cultures was reduced by 25-30%; little difference in extractable prolyl hydroxylase activity or total [14C]proline incorporation into protein was observed. The effect on collagen synthesis appears to be dose-dependent over concentrations of E2 ranging 10-6-10-12 M when measured by collagenase susceptibility. Procollagen typing on diethylaminoethylcellulose displayed reduced amounts of procollagen type I and type III fractions and other collagenous components. The ratio of these 2 procollagen types was altered. Similar results were obtained from the medium or cell layer. Aortic smooth muscle cells cultured in the presence of 17.beta.-estradiol display a decreased production of collagen in addition to altering the ratio of type I to type III procollagen fractions produced.