Anisotropic Structures in Human Elastin

Abstract

THE precise relationship between collagen and elastin has been widely discussed from the electron microscope and biochemical points of view, and Burton et al. ¹ have suggested that a transformation of collagen into elastin may occur in vitro due to degradation of collagen by acids and alkalis, or by enzymes. Gillman and Penn et al. ² have coined the term pseudo-elastic tissue in describing collagen degeneration which may occur in the process of tissue repair after injury. Banga³, following Schwartz and Dettmer⁴, has suggested that some natural elastins possess an inner structure of collagen fibrils. While there may be similarities between the results of the in vitro studies of Burton et al., and those of Gillman and Penn, the normal intimate relationship between collagen and elastin in most tissues renders it difficult to isolate either component.