EFFECT OF CORTISONE AND AGE ON THE HYDROXYPROLINE AND PROLINE CONCENTRATIONS OF BLOOD AND URINE IN THE RAT

Abstract

The effect of cortisone, 5 mg daily for 1-2 weeks, on the free hydroxyproline and proline concentrations in the blood and urine of rats and also on the weight of animals was investigated. In all groups of animals given cortisone, there was a highly significant weight loss but cortisone administration appeared to have no effect on the hydroxyproline concentrations in blood and urine. Compared to control animals not receiving cortisone, the proline concentration in the blood was significantly lower especially in the older animals receiving cortisone; no differences were observed in urinary proline concentration. In general, the concentration of free hydroxyproline in the urine of 4-month-old rats was higher (11-49 [mu]g/24 hours) than that found in 11-month-old rats (8-17 [mu]g/24 hours). No such statistically significant difference was found in the hydroxyproline concentration of blood or the proline concentration of blood or urine.