A METHOD TO MEASURE THE BARRIER EFFECT OF DRUGS AND ITS APPLICATION IN THE STUDY OF HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN

This study was aimed at evaluating the barrier effect of collagen against hydrochloric acid. It was investigated by coating a metallic surface with collagen, and measuring the drilling time against hydrochloric acid. Collagen was prepared as a semi-liquid solution, using its industrial derivative, known as gelatin or hydrolyzed collagen. This preparation displayed a consistent, and dose-dependent effect, which correlated with the molecular weight and amino acid composition. Partially hydrolyzed bovine collagen was about 5-fold more potent than hydrolyzed bovine collagen, while bovine collagen was half as active as fish collagen. The results provide compelling evidence that hydrolyzed fish collagen is a new compound potentially useful in the protection of mucosa against hydrochloric acid injury, serving as a novel biological barrier