Collagen heterogeneity and quantification in developing bovine nuchal ligament

The collagenous components were investigated in peptic digests of developing bovine nuchal ligament. Types I and III collagen were the major species isolated, but the presence of types IV, V and VI was also shown. Changes in the pepsin-susceptibility of nuchal ligament during foetal development were observed. CNBr-cleavage peptide analysis indicated that type I collagen became cross-linked rapidly, as evidenced by the lack of alpha 1(I)CB6. At present it is not clear if this decrease in pepsin-susceptibility is due to cross-linking of collagen, to increased deposition of elastin, or to both. Quantification of collagen types I and III was shown to depend on the method used. When pepsin-solubilized material was examined an apparent increase in type III collagen with respect to foetal age was observed, whereas when CNBr digests of intact ligament were examined a relatively constant amount of type III collagen (approx. 24%) was found. The constant amount of type III collagen observed during foetal development changed at birth and increased in mature nuchal ligament to represent approx. 45% of the total collagen.

Posterior pubo-urethral ligaments in normal and genuine stress incontinent women

Specimens of the posterior pubo-urethral ligament were taken from 10 continent females (7 at post mortem and 3 at gynaecological surgery) and from 9 genuine stress incontinent patients. They were examined and compared using light and electron microscopy and neuro-histochemistry. The morphology of all specimens was similar in that they contained dense connective tissue elements enclosing smooth muscle bundles which were associated with numerous nerves, the enzyme content and fine structure of which were similar to those believed to represent cholinergic autonomic nerves. There was no difference in the morphology, histochemistry and fine structure of the specimens of the ligaments from the control and incontinent patients. Therefore, it is suggested that altered morphology of the posterior pubo-urethral ligaments is unlikely to be an etiological factor in genuine stress incontinence. It is postulated that the ligaments may play a role in stabilising the proximal urethra or assist in bladder-neck opening during voiding.

Variation of elastin fluorescence with method of preparation: determination of the major fluorophore of fibrillar elastin

The variation of fluorescence of two fibrillar elastins as a result of preparation methods was studied and the major common fluorophore was identified. Dilution of acid-hydrolyzed bovine ligament elastin 1:2500 (g:ml) overcame inner filter effects (IFE) to reveal fluorescence excitation and emission maxima of 330/408 nm. An IFE effect observed in elastase-solubilized elastin was unresponsive to dilution. Elastase-solubilized elastin had maximal fluorescence at 338/410 nm (pH 2.3) and 325/394 nm (pH 7.4), and the fluorescence intensity was 35-40% of that of the acid-hydrolyzed elastin. Changes in fluorescence that occurred when an acid hydrolysate was evaporated to dryness were prevented by evaporation to a volume not less than 15 ml. As a result, there was an almost two-fold increase in the yield of a fluorophore with spectral maxima near 340/400 nm. Chick aorta elastin purified by enzymatic methods also contained substantial amounts of this fluorophore. It is concluded that the compound with fluorescence of 340/400 nm is the major common fluorophore of postnatal fibrillar elastins.

Immunohistochemical localization of types I, II, and III collagens in the ossified posterior longitudinal ligament of the human cervical spine

Immunohistochemical localization of types I, II, and III collagen in the ossified posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine was studied using type-specific anticollagen antibodies. In contrast to the normal ligament which contains both types I and III collagens, the ossified matrix, composed of lamellar bone, contains only type I collagen, except for Haversian canals where type III is located in the inner wall. In the transitional region of preossifying ligaments, types III and I are both present. Type II collagen is present in the hyperplastic matrix of the ligament, and cartilage-like cells surrounded by type II collagen are aligned along nonossified ligaments adjacent to the preossifying region. A possible mechanism of matrix transition during the ossification process is given attention.

Non-destructive detection of methionine sulfoxide in the resilium of a surf clam by solid-state 13C-NMR spectroscopy

Methionine sulfoxide was detected in the resilium (internal hinge ligament) of a surf clam by high-resolution solid-state 13C-NMR spectroscopy involving cross-polarization and magic angle spinning, using no chemical procedure. The results support the previous report [Kikuchi, Y. and Tamiya, N. (1981) J. Biochem. (Tokyo) 89, 1975-1976] on a high content of methionine sulfoxide observed by chemical methods in the resilium protein of surf clam species.

Distribution of progesterone in the uterus, broad ligament, and uterine arteries of beef cows

Samples of uterine horn, broad ligament (mesosalpinx and mesometrium), and uterine artery of ten unilaterally ovulating cows, 12-15 days after mating, were examined for differences in concentration of progesterone. Tissues (mesosalpinx, branches of the uterine artery, anterior uterine horn) adjacent to the ovary bearing the corpus luteum contained significantly greater quantities of progesterone than more distal tissues (mesometrium, uterine artery, posterior uterine horn) on the same side and all tissues on the contralateral side. In tissues on the side ipsilateral to the corpus luteum, a gradient of progesterone existed. Differences in tissue concentrations of progesterone may be the cause of observed differences in uterine physiology in the cow and ewe.

Isolation of glycoproteins from bovine nuchal ligament

Soluble substances in the bovine nuchal ligament were removed by preliminary extractions with a buffer and dilute alkali solution. The insoluble residue was then extracted with 6 M guanidine HCl and with 6 M guanidine HCl containing a reducing agent (20 mM dithiothreitol) successively. Each of the two extracts contained a glycoprotein; that in the first extract was designated Glycoprotein A and that in the second Glycoprotein B. They were purified by ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration till essentially homogeneous. Both proteins had similar molecular weights of 35,000 in SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by gel filtration, and their chemical compositions resembled each other closely. It is suggested that Glycoprotein B was present in the native state as a disulfide-bonded, aggregated form of Glycoprotein A. The compounds also showed similarity with the microfibrillar glycoprotein(s) previously reported in bovine nuchal ligament extracts.

Methionine sulfoxide in the resilium protein of surf clams

A high content of methionine sulfoxide was observed in the resiliums (internal hingeligaments) of surf clams. As no isolation procedure which might cause the oxidation of methionine to methionine sulfoxide was involved and the hydrolysis was carried out in vacuo, it is the first solid evidence for the presence of methionine sulfoxide as a constituent of natural protein.

[[Studies of Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine using microradiography and histochemistry (author's transl)]

ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is seen by X-ray as a condition which shows a heterotopically formed bony shadow at the posterior part of vertebral bodies of the cervical spine. OPLL causing severe myelopathy is called a Japanese disease. Recently, it has been shown that this condition is not only seen in Japan, but also in other countries especially in Asia. In order to obtain information of pathogenesis of this condition, the present author carried out histochemical investigations on 2 autopsy cases which had been treated as OPLL myelopathy, and 12 surgical materials. Totally 30 spinal vertebrae were examined. They were prepared for study with undemineralized ground sections mainly. The following results were obtained. 1) Microradiography revealed that the calcified tissue on the ligament had two marked structures, one was highly calcified tissue, and the other was bony tissue with lower density. 2) Most of the highly calcified tissue with variable distribution ranging from a sparse to a dense one contained round radiolucent spots probably consisting of cartilage-like cells. This type of calcified tissue is accompanied by the organic matrix, which was stainable with van Gieson stain, PAS reaction, Alcian blue stain and toluidin blue metachromasia. 3) A part of highly calcified tissue showed linearly distributed pattern without radiolucent round spots. This type of calcified tissue was also stained with van Gieson stain and PAS reaction. However, this organic matrix was not accompanied by marked reaction of acid mucopolysaccharides. 4) No essential histochemical difference was found between the highly calcified tissue on the ligament and other various types of heterotopically formed calcified tissue. 5) Microradiography revealed the remnant of resorption process at the boundary between the highly calcified tissue and the bony tissue. This finding of the resorption lacunae indicated that the highly calcified tissue was formed initially, followed by bone tissue formation. The process of internal remodeling was also observed in the bony tissue. 6) The distribution of the highly calcified tissue, bony tissue and resorption cavities indicated several patterns of remodeling process which was characterized by the new bone formation at the region near the vertebral body. These characteristics were apparently due to the mechanical stresses acting on this bony structures, as seen in some other heterotopic bone formations such as the healing process of fracture or tooth extraction socket.

Partial characterization of peptide fragment purified by isoelectrofocusing after organo alkaline hydrolysis of bovine ligamentum nuchae elastin

Highly purified elastin from bovine ligamentum nuchae was submitted to partial alkaline hydrolysis (37 degree C, 72 H, 1 N KOH in 80 p. 100 aqueous ethanol). The non-coacervable fractions were submitted to isoelectrofocusing and five kappa-elastin fractions were obtained. The amino-acid compositions, the N-terminal amino-acids, the molecular weights and the thermolysin digests of each fraction were determined by various techniques. The average MW was about 14,500 (150 - 166 amino-acids). These results suggest that the distribution of cross-linking agents in fibrous elastin may not be uniform. The results also show that in certain cross-linked regions of similar molecular weight and size appearing to be composed of different polypeptides sequences containing different amounts of cross-links.

Separation of elastin components by thin layer chromatography and electrophoresis

Several methods are described which employ thin layer chromatography and electrophoresis for investigations into the structure and synthesis of crosslinked elastin. These procedures are more sensitive and involve less elaborate equipment than separation on paper. The methods described include an electrophoretic procedure for detecting the cross-linking amino acids in elastin hydrolysates, a method for completely separating desmosine, isodesmosine and merodesmosine in these hydrolysates, and a method for producing two-dimensional peptide maps of elastase digests of elastin.

Specific immunohistochemical localization of type III collagen in porcine periodontal tissues using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method

Specific antibodies to porcine gingival type III collagen were raised in sheep. After purification on collagen affinity columns the antibodies were used for immunohistochemical localization of type III collagen in porcine periodontal and dental tissues employing the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) procedure. The extent of staining of the periodontal tissues was found to approximate the amount of type III collagen measured biochemically. A fairly uniform distribution of type III collagen was observed in the periodontal ligament and gingiva with more intense staining often being associated with blood vessels. A regular pattern of weakly staining fibers could be demonstrated throughout the cementum and in parts of the alveolar bone tissue. In addition, occasional sites in the cementum having a different morphological appearance from the rest of the cementum exhibited bundles of positively stained fibers. Although the bone tissue was essentially unstained, fibers in the endosteal spaces stained strongly. Sharpey's fibers passing from the soft connective tissues into alveolar bone and cementum also stained strongly. Three distinct arrangements of collagen fibers stained by the type III collagen antibodies could be identified: first, a reticular pattern, which was seen at the junction of the gingival epithelium and connective tissue, and in the endosteal spaces and dental pulp; second, a more diffuse pattern of fibers intermingled with type I collagen in the soft connective tissues; and third, a coating of some Sharpey's fibers, having a core believed to be type I collagen, and of fibers in the cementum inclusions.

Guanidination of kappa-elastin from bovine ligamentum nuchae

Kappa-Elastin is exhaustively guanidinated in order to chemically modify the pre-existing lysine content to homoarginine. However the pre-existing lysine content is only modified to homoarginine content about 50 p.cent. The other lysyl-bonds are buried or/and engaged to aldi-imine bonds or other bonds. Therefore the first guanidinated kappa-Elastin is submitted to partial acide hydrolysis (HCL, 1 N, 110 degrees C for 2 hours) and submitted to a second exhaustive guanidination. The pre-existing lysin content in kappa-Elastin almost quantitively disappeared and is transformed to the corresponding homoarginine. These results are similar to those obtained by photolysis of (Iso) desmosine residues by UV light which will liberate "new" lysine containing peptides from kappa-Elastin.

The role of Whitnall's ligament in ptosis surgery

Whitnall's ligament has been described functionally as a check ligament of the levator. Our anatomic dissections and operative findings indicate that this ligament is primarily a support for the upper eyelid and superior orbit. Whitnall's ligament is frequently confused with the levator horns and is unfortunately cut during many ptosis procedures. This is to be avoided because much larger levator resections are required when this ligament's support to the upper lid and the fulcrum effect for the levator are lost. Preserving and enhancing the function of Whitnall's ligament improves the efficiency of the levator, making large levator resections rarely necessary. We have noted no more lid lag than that seen with other forms of levator surgery.

A radiographic study of the ligamentous anatomy of the ankle

Ankle trauma commonly results in significant injury. Knowledge of the anatomy of the normally nonopaque major supportive ligaments, and their relationships to the osseous structures seen on standard roentgenograms, facilitates interpretation of both plain films and ankle arthrograms. A group of normal, non-preserved ankles was dissected. The laterally located anterior talofibular calcaneofibular, posterior talofibular, distal anterior tibiofibular ligaments, and the medially located deltoid ligament were carefully defined. They were coated with a mixture of powdered tantalum, photographed, and then radiographed in standard projections. The normal gross anatomy of these major supportive ligaments of the ankle and their relationship to the osseous structures about the ankle are remarkably constant.