The effect of 2,5-hexanedione on newly formed collagen in granulation tissue

The mechanical strength of newly formed collagen in granulation tissue was investigated by implantation of cellulose sponges into rats intoxicated with 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD) and control rats. Intoxication with 2,5-HD caused a significant decrease in mechanical strength after 20 days of implantation. No differences were found between 2,5-HD intoxicated and control groups in the amount of collagen formed in the sponges. The mechanical strength of granulation tissue depends on formation and cross-linking of the newly formed collagen fibrils. 2,5-HD is known to react with epsilon-amino groups of lysine and it is therefore able to interfere with both fibril aggregation and cross-linking of the collagen. On the other hand, 2,5-HD induces the formation of cross-links in intact tendon collagen. Therefore, we stress that it is essential to distinguish between intact and newly formed fibrils when evaluating the effect of 2,5-HD on fibillary proteins.