In vitro fibrillogenesis of interstitial collagens: electron microscopical studies of long-spacing forms induced by chondroitin sulfate
Mallinger, R.; Schmut, O.
Journal of Submicroscopic Cytology 17(2): 177-182
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-4782 PMID: 3923208 Document Number: 244181
Reaggregation behavior of the 3 interstitial types of bovine collagen was studied. Pure solutions were prepared and reprecipitation performed by the addition of chondroitin sulfate. The sediments were analyzed in the EM. Classical types of fibrous long spacing collagen could be prepared only from solutions of type I collagen. Segments with an average length of 460 nm and a central overlapping zone of .apprx. 120 nm were prepared from solutions of type II collagen. They were termed double segment long-spacing collagen (DSLS). No cross striated fibrils or segments could be obtained from solutions of type III collagen. There are not only chemical differences between the 3 interstitial types of collagen but also differences in reaggregation behavior and in the way of interaction with other macromolecules such as glycosaminoglycans.