Lung collagen composition and synthesis. Characterization and changes with age.

摘要: In the lung, collagen is found associated with bronchi, blood vessels, and alveolar interstitium; it known to be fundamental in maintenance of lung structure function. Two chains, α1 α2, can extracted from rabbit homogenates; each chain has an approximate molecular weight 100,000 composed amino acids that are characteristic collagen, but not specific for lung. Lung slices incubated vitro synthesize α2 as demonstrated by carboxymethylcellulose chromatography, sodium dodecyl sulfate acrylamide gel electrophoresis, acidic sensitivity collagenase, trichloroacetic acid at 90°. As a percentage dry weight, protein does change significantly during maturation, content increases 5-fold late stages gestation adult life. The average rate synthesis per cell decreases slowly 10-fold fetal life whereas noncollagen rapidly levels before birth. relative total low life, rises 2 15% first month then declines months age level throughout maturing therefore, significant changes genetic expression period rapid growth converts gas-exchanging organ.