CIS-3-HYDROXYPROLINE REDUCES GLOMERULAR-BASEMENT-MEMBRANE THICKNESS AND COLLAGEN TYPE-IV SYNTHESIS IN DIABETIC RATS

Glomerular basement membrane thickening is thought to be due to increa sed collagen synthesis and abnormal cross linking. Based upon the obse rvation that the incorporation of distinct proline analogues leads to increased degradation of the newly abnormally formed collagen we admin istered cis 3 hydroxyproline orally to streptozotocin diabetic rats. M easuring glomerular basement membrane thickness we found in- the treat ed group significantly lower values. The solubility of collagen in the treated group was significantly increased, indicating the mechanism o f action of the proline analogue. The collagen content of kidneys in t he treated group was reduced as well correlating with the basement mem brane thickness. Provided the absence of toxicity of cis 3 hydroxyprol ine its pharmaceutical use for the inhibition of basement membrane pro liferation seems promising.