Effect of beta-amino-propionitrile on the regenerating newt limb evaluated by uptake of 3H-proline and 3H-lysine.

Newt forelimbs were unilaterally amputated and Beta-amino propionitrile (BAPN) was added to the water in which the newts were maintained. Sixty-three days after amputation, animals were injected with either 3H-proline or 3H-lysine. Forelimbs distal to the elbow of both amputated and non-amputated sides were removed 72 hours later. Uptake of 3H-proline and 3H-lysine in whole limbs was assessed by liquid scintillation and in cartilage cells and matrix by autoradiography. Amputation was a potent stimulus to both collagen formation and maturation during regeneration. BAPN reduced the stimulatory effect of amputation on collagen formation but not on its maturation. Collagen synthesis and maturation are independent events and, in intact non-regenerating limbs, BAPN adversely affected collagen maturation while collagen synthesis was unaltered.