Pol. Merkur. Lek (Pol. Med. J.), 2011, XXXI/182: 111-113

SUMMARY IN POLISH & ENGLISH. FULL ARTICLE ONLY IN POLISH.

Heterogeneity and functions of collagen in arteries

Kuzan A.1, Chwiłkowska A.2

1Regional Specialized Hospital in Wroclaw, Research and Development Centre, Wroclaw, Poland; 2Medical University of Wroclaw, Poland, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Poland

Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the human organism. It is the major component of the extracellular matrix. The protein is represented by 29 distinct types, which differ in structure, amount, tissue distribution and affinity to the other elements of ECM. It is reported that collagen is responsible for the maintenance of integrity, tensile strength and elasticity of the connective tissue. The properties plays crucial role in functioning of the blood vessel walls. This work is focused on arteries. There are found 14 types of collagen. They are located mainly in the basement membrane and subendothelium. The vessels contain mostly fibrillar collagen (types I, III and V), also fibril associated (XII, XIV, XVI, XXI), microfibril (VI), basement membrane associated (IV, XV, XVIII, XIX), membrane bound (XIII) and anchoring (VII) collagen.

Key words: collagen, arteries

Pol. Merk. Lek., 2011, XXXI, 182, 111