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Possibilities of polarization-optic methods for studying macromolecular organization of the intercellular matrix of the connective tissue are demonstrated. Topo-optic reactions, being histochemical, make it possible to reveal not only presence of the molecules studied, but also quantitatively determine degree of their orientational regularity in the structural organization of the intercellular matrix. Determination of changes in the orientational regularity of single molecules contributes to revealing morphogenetic peculiarities of the intercellular matrix of the connective tissue, normal and under development of the destructive-distrophic process. Methodological principles of reactions to collagen, glycosaminoglycanes, glycoproteins, elastin and non-collagenous proteins are presented. Their advantages comparing certain known histochemical reactions, as well as their limitations are demonstrated. Certain illustrative material is presented.

The articular cartilage of the hip joint and the intervertebral disks (LIV and LV), obtained from 42 corpses without any signs of pathology in these tissues, have been investigated. Six age groups have been distinguished: 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71 years of age and older. After the topo-optic reactions have been get, double refraction of glycosamineglycans (GAG) and collagen is studied in the structure and orientational regularity is estimated in these macromolecules in the matrix. The peculiarities on distribution of the collagenous fiber fasciculi in the intercellular substance in the hyalin and collagen-fibrillar cartilaginous tissue are demonstrated at the areas and depending on the age. Correlations in qualitative and quantitative changes of the GAG and collagen with age are analysed; this gives certain possibilities to reveal signs of similarity and difference in morphogenesis of hyalin and collagen-fibrillar cartilage tissue. Basing on the comparative analysis performed concerning the GAG and collagen state in the age aspect, as well as taking into account the data of previously performed investigations, the collagenous carcass can be characterized as the most stable component of the intercellular substance of cartilages, possessing a great reserve of strength. Homokinesis of the cartilaginous tissue is performed at the expense of the GAG; this ensures a high ability of the cartilaginous tissue to adaptation. A hypothesis on the GAG role in realization of adaptive rearrangements of the cartilaginous matrix at the macromolecular level is put forward.