[Mode of action of D-penicillamine on collagen metabolism]

The effect of D-penicillamine, given for 14 days in doses of 100 mg/kg and 225 mg/kg, upon the collagen metabolism of skin and bone tissues was studied in rats. The smaller dosage of D-penicillamine did not effect the collagen synthesis in skin or bone. When the higher dosage was used, however, an increase of collagen synthesis was observed in bone marrow. Simultaneously there was a higher rate of bone collagen degradation.