Collagen defect induced by penicillamine.

Collagen synthesis, as judged by the accumulation of collagen in a subcutaneous, induced granuloma, was significantly decreased by penicillamine. Penicillamine also caused a marked increase in the amount of soluble collagen in skin and a sharp drop in insoluble material. These findings, which reflect an abnormal pattern of collagen metdbolism, are accompanied by an inhibition of wound-healing and by skin fragility.