Abstract
The effects of dietary administration of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) on age-related biochemical changes of lipid metabolism and collagen in rats were studied. The following results were obtained:
1) The depositions of PCB in the organs and tissues examined were highest in the white adipose tissue, and decreased in the order of liver, kidney, testis and brain. The depositions increased with age.
2) The levels of triglyceride and cholesterol in serum and liver lipids increased with age. In groups of rats fed PCB, the liver cholesterol after 12 months of age and the serum cholesterol and β-lipoprotein in 18-month-old rats were significantly increased compared with the control group.
3) The levels of lipid peroxide in serum and liver increased remarkably with age and upon PCB administration.
4) The liberation of hydroxyproline during the thermal contraction of skin in rats decreased with age, but was not affected by PCB administration.
