Structural and functional changes in lung tissue of mice fed with beta-aminopropionitrile fumarate,...

Structural and functional changes in lung tissue of mice fed with beta-aminopropionitrile fumarate, L-3-cis-hydroxyproline, and L-4-cis-hydroxyproline. We fed 0.1% solutions of 3-cis-hydroxyproline (3cisHP), 4-cis-hydroxyproline (4cisHP) or beta-aminopropionitrile fumarate (beta APN) to 5-week-old mice for 1 month and studied the effect of each of these substances on the lung function and structure. Compared to control animals the compliance of the respiratory system in the mean was increased by 3-15% in the mice fed beta APN or 3cisHP, and decreased by 2-8% in the mice fed 4cisHP. On electron microscopial examination no overt morphological changes were detectable although as proven by biochemical analysis 3cisHP and 4cisHP were incorporated into the collagen of the mice who received these substances. We conclude that the effect of substances interfering with the normal production of collagen molecules depends on the kind of collagen affected and on the rate of collagen turnover.