[The effect of aluminum on the structure and metabolism of collagen]

Aluminium is considered to be the etiopathogenetic factor in various pathological conditions. It was demonstrated already previously that metals even under conditions in vivo link with collagen structures and influence the protein metabolism. Therefore the authors investigated the effect of aluminium (Al) on collagen and its metabolism.

In the described trial aluminium was used as potassium alum, oxalate alum or aluminium chloride. The effect of aluminium was investigated in rats, chick embryos or fibroblast cultures. Using electron microscopy of collagen from the tail tendons, the development of transverse striation following 15 weeks of i.m. Al administration was revealed. At the same time also an increase of temperature of contraction of this collagen by 1.5 to 3.7 degrees C occurred, depending on the Al compound used. On fibroblast cultures an inhibitory effect of Al on their proliferation was found. In chick embryos Al caused a decline of the radioactive hydroxyproline concentration and thus also a reduced collagen synthesis practically in all investigated tissues. Similarly the negative effect of Al was manifested in the incorporation of radioactive glucosamine into proteoglycans of granulation tissue of rats. In cartilaginous collagen enhanced proline hydroxylation caused by Al was observed.

Although it is not possible, with regard to Al chemistry, to make an unequivocal statement on the nature of the compound which causes a particular reaction in biological systems, it may be said, based on the achieved results, that Al has an effect on biological systems due to its bond with collagen structures and by influencing their metabolism.