In vivo and in vitro effects of alloxan on collagen characteristics of bone, skin and tendon of Swiss mice.

Alloxan diabetes in Swiss mice induced decreased levels of percent solubility of collagen in bone, skin and tendon both after 4 days (96 h) and 28 days of treatment. In vitro treatment of tissues with alloxan in physiological saline did not influence the cross-linking of collagen. It is suggested that in alloxan diabetes, metabolites formed in the tissues might accelerate aging of collagen.