Hepatic prolyl hydroxylase activity in experimental cirrhosis.

Hepatic collagen synthesis was studied during progressive fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in male Sprague-Dawley rats by determination of prolyl hydroxylase activity and hydrocyproline levels along with morphological assessment of fibrosis. Cirrhosis was present after approximately 4 weeks treatment. Prolyl hydroxylase activity was increased significantly before fibrosis was apparent histologically or by hydroxyproline levels. The significance of this finding is discussed.