Elastin content in human fibrotic and cirrhotic liver
Kanta, J.; Velebný, V.; Mergancová, J.; Ettlerová, E.; Chlumská, A.
Sbornik Vedeckych Praci Lekarske Fakulty Karlovy University V Hradci Kralove 33(5): 489-494
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0049-5514 PMID: 2132721 Document Number: 352846
Human liver tissue obtained at autopsy was extracted with hot 0.1 M NaOH. Determination of amino acids desmosine and isodesmosine was used to quantify elastin in the insoluble residue. Hydroxyproline content was used as an index of collagen content in the liver. Hydroxyproline content was twofold in fibrotic liver and threefold in cirrhotic liver when compared to normal liver, while the sum of desmosine and isodesmosine increased threefold and sixfold, respectively. Elastin content is low in normal liver when compared to collagen but appears to grow much faster in diseased liver.