We have investigated some possible influences of the endocrine system on rat tail tendon collagen, utilizing tendon contractability in concentrated salt solution as an indicator of the physicochemical properties of melted collagen. Hypophysectomy and thyroidectomy, but not adrenalectomy, were associated with increased contractile force of tendons in 40% potassium iodide (KI). Hypercorticism or hyperthyroidism was likewise associated with increases in KI-induced contractile force. However, the effects of excess thyroid appeared to be mediated via the adrenals. The changes in tendon properties induced by hypophysectomy or corticosterone were similar to those which normally occur with advancing age. (Endocrinology79: 1047, 1966)
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Steinetz et al. (1966) studied this question.