title: [Biosynthesis of collagen and mode of action of D-penicillamine (author's transl)].
abstract: The biosynthesis and metabolism of collagen are complex processes and are regulated by different enzyme systems. In theory these processes can be influenced at a number of different stages. The therapeutic prevention of excessive collagen and fibril synthesis is a desirable aim, although there is a lack of substances suitable for this purpose. One substance employed is D-penicillamine (D-PA), which blocks aldehyde condensation, inhibits the cross-linking of the peptide chains and the formation of collagen fibrils. Other characteristics of D-PA which are of therapeutic interest are chelate formation with heavy metals and the depolymerizing action on macroglobulins. D-PA may possibly by of some value in the chemotherapy of certain tumours and for sensitizing tumour cells to irradiation. It remains to be investigated whether D-PA or similar substances could be of therapeutic value in arteriosclerosis, in which an increased deposition of collagen in the basal membranes is the fundamental process. The successful therapeutic use of D-PA in rheumatoid arthritis and chronic active cirrhoses of the liver justifies the hope that this substance may favourably influence disorders of collagen metabolism.
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001011:Aorta / Q000378:metabolism; D001665:Binding Sites; D002356:Cartilage / Q000378:metabolism; D003094:Collagen / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000378:metabolism; D008168:Lung / Q000378:metabolism; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D003094:Collagen; D010396:Penicillamine
vernacular_title: Zur Kollagen-Biosynthese und zum Wirkungsmechanismus von D-Penicillamin