Collagen biosynthesis enzymes in lung tissue and serum of rats with experimental silicosis.

The activities of prolyl 4-hydroxylase, galactosylhydroxylysyl glucosyltransferase (GGT) and lysyl oxidase (three enzymes catalysing post-translational modifications of collagen) were measured in the lungs of rats exposed to silica (DQ12). Circulatory levels of GGT were also estimated. Rats were killed after 24 h and at 6, 12 and 24 weeks after a single intratracheal instillation of either 12.5 or 25 mg of silica (DQ12). Control animals received saline. The total activity of the three enzymes in the lungs of the exposed animals was significantly increased at all times (P less than 0.05). The circulatory levels of GGT were also increased though some differences failed to reach significance. Thus increased activities of enzymes of collagen biosynthesis correlated with the development of silicosis and occurred within 24 h of treatment. This suggests that the changes responsible for the eventual development of fibrosis are operative within hours of dust exposure.