Glomerular basement membrane synthesis was measured in vivo in diabetic rats at various times after streptozotocin injection. Simultaneously the type IV collagen concentration in serum was determined by a radioimmunoassay specific for the terminal cross-linking domain, 7S collagen. Basement membrane collagen synthesis and the 7S collagen levels were markedly raised in diabetic animals 18-34 days after streptozotocin injection and showed a significant correlation. The results suggest that the amount of serum 7S collagen reflects increased basement membrane synthesis in a diabetic situation. Both basement membrane collagen synthesis and serum 7S collagen concentration also show a positive correlation with the blood glucose levels of diabetic rats. This indicates that the degree of metabolic dysregulation influences basement membrane synthesis.
In rats with chronic diabetes, the synthesis of glomerular basement membrane was investigated in vivo by injection of 3H-proline. Compared to the nondiabetic controls, the basement membrane synthesis was markedly raised. The formation of hydroxyproline as parameter for the synthesis of the collagen portion of the basement membrane increased to a somewhat greater extent than the incorporation of 3H-proline. Hydroxyproline formation and proline incorporation showed a close correlation with the blood sugar level in the diabetic rats.
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