Search

Macrophages derived from human blood monocytes perform many tasks related to tissue injury and repair. The main effect of macrophages on the extracellular matrix is considered to be destructive in nature, because macrophages secrete metalloproteinases and ingest foreign material as part of the remodeling process that occurs in wound healing and other pathological conditions. However, macrophages also contribute to the extracellular matrix and hence to tissue stabilization both indirectly, by inducing other cells to proliferate and to release matrix components, and directly, by secreting components of the extracellular matrix such as fibronectin and type VIII collagen, as we have recently shown. We now report that monocytes and macrophages express virtually all known collagen and collagen-related mRNAs. Furthermore, macrophages secrete type VI collagen protein abundantly, depending upon their mode of activation, stage of differentiation, and cell density. The primary function of type VI collagen secreted by macrophages appears to be modulation of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. We suggest that the production of type VI collagen is a marker for a nondestructive, matrix-conserving macrophage phenotype that could profoundly influence physiological and pathophysiological conditions in vivo.

Solid-phase synthesis of triple-helical peptides, including native collagen III sequences, was started with a trimeric branch, based upon the lysine dipeptide [Fields, C. G., Mickelson, D. J., Drake, S. L., McCarthy, J. B., and Fields, G. B. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 14153-14160]. Branch synthesis was modified, using TentaGel R as resin, p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (HMP) as linker, Dde as N(epsilon)-protective group, and HATU/HOAT as coupling reagent. Three homotrimeric sequences, each containing the Gly 606-Gly 618 portion of human type III collagen, were added to the amino functions of the branch. The final incorporation of GlyProHyp triplets, stabilizing the collagen III triple helix, was performed by using protected GlyProHyp tripeptides, each containing tert-butylated hydroxyproline [P(tBu)] instead of hydroxyproline (P). Among the protected tripeptides FmocP(tBu)PG, FmocPP(tBu)G, and FmocGPP(tBu), prepared manually on a chlorotrityl resin, incorporation of FmocPP(tBu)Gly was best suited for synthesis of large and stable peptides, such as PPG(8), containing 8 (PPG)(3) trimers (115 residues, 10 610 Da). The structures of five peptides, differing from each other by the type and number of the triplets incorporated, were verified by MALDI-TOF-MS. Their conformations and thermodynamic data were studied by circular dichroism and differential scanning calorimetry. Except for PPG(8), containing 8 (PPG)(3) trimers with hydroxyproline in the X position and adopting a polyproline II structure, all peptides were triple-helical in 0.1 M acetic acid and their thermal stabilities ranged from t(1/2) = 39. 4 to t(1/2) = 62.5 degrees C, depending on the identity and number of the triplets used. Similar values of the van't Hoff enthalpy, DeltaH(vH), derived from melting curves, and the calorimetric enthalpy, DeltaH(cal), obtained from heat capacity curves, indicate a cooperative ratio of CR = DeltaH(vH)/DeltaH(cal) = 1, establishing a two-state process for unfolding of THP(III) peptides. The independence of the transition temperatures t(1/2) on peptide concentration as well as equilibrium centrifugation data indicate monomolecular dimer(f) to dimer(u) (F(2) <--> U(2)) transitions and, in addition, bimolecular dimer(f) to monomer(u) transitions (F(2) <--> 2U). The dominance of the concentration-independent monomolecular reaction over the concentration-dependent bimolecular reaction makes thermal unfolding of THP(III) peptides appear to be monomolecular. If one designates the molecularity described by the term pseudomonomolecular, unfolding of the dimeric peptides PPG(6-8) follows a two-state, pseudomonomolecular reaction.

Type VIII collagen is a short-chain collagen that is present in increased amounts in atherosclerotic lesions. Although the physiological function of this matrix protein is unclear, recent data suggest an important role in tissue remodeling. Type VIII collagen in the atherosclerotic lesion is mainly derived from smooth muscle cells. We now show that macrophages in the atherosclerotic vessel wall and monocytes in adjacent mural thrombi also express type VIII collagen. We demonstrated this using a novel combined fluorescence technique that simultaneously stains, within the same tissue section, specific RNAs by in situ hybridization and proteins by indirect immunofluorescence. In culture, human monocyte/macrophages expressed type VIII collagen at all time points from 1 h to 3 wk after isolation. Western blotting and immunoprecipitation also revealed secretion of type VIII collagen into the medium of 14-day-old macrophages. Because this is the first report of secretion of a collagen by macrophages, we tested the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon gamma, substances that stimulate macrophages to secrete lytic enzymes, on macrophage expression of type VIII collagen. LPS and interferon gamma decreased expression of type VIII collagen. By contrast, secretion of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP 1) was increased, indicating a switch from a collagen-producing to a degradative phenotype. Double in situ hybridization studies of expression of type VIII collagen and MMP 1 in human coronary arteries showed that in regions important for plaque stability, the ratio of MMP 1 RNA to macrophage type VIII collagen RNA varies widely, indicating that the transition from one phenotype to the other that we observed in vitro may also occur in vivo.

The expression of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and type VIII collagen was studied in human arteries. GM-CSF and type VIII collagen were codistributed in all layers of the walls of nondiseased arteries and during early atherogenesis with up to type V lesions. The number of cells expressing both mRNAs increased during the development of advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Whereas type VIII collagen expression increased further in complicated lesions, GM-CSF was downregulated. During early atherogenesis smooth muscle cells (SMC) and endothelial cells were the principal GM-CSF and type VIII collagen mRNA-expressing cell types. In advanced lesions monocytes/macrophages also expressed the mRNAs. In complicated lesions the number of GM-CSF mRNA-expressing SMC was markedly reduced. In in vitro experiments transforming growth factor-beta1, platelet-derived growth factor, and GM-CSF, but not basic fibroblast growth factor, stimulated the expression of type VIII collagen mRNA by SMC. GM-CSF transiently stimulated type VIII collagen transcription. Thus GM-CSF is a prominent component of the regulatory network influencing collagen metabolism during atherogenesis. By modulating the synthesis of type VIII collagen in SMC, GM-CSF may influence the course of plaque development and may govern processes such as cell movement, plaque stability, and thrombus organization.

We generated a specific polyclonal antibody against the alpha 1 chain of type VIII collagen. The antibody detects type VIII collagen and is definitely free of crossreactivities with the closely related type X collagen. The antibody was generated against a dodecamer peptide chosen to satisfy the following requirements: (a) maximal homology between collagen type VIII molecules from different species; (b) maximal antigenicity as predicted by algorithms from Emini et al. (J. Virol. (1985) 55, 836). Hoop and Woods (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1981) 78, 3824), and Karplus and Schulz (Naturwissenschaften (1985) 72, 212); and (c) maximal specificity, i.e. absence of this sequence in all other proteins known so far. All three requirements were satisfied for a sequence fragment of 12 amino acids (100-111) in the alpha 1(VIII) NC2 domain. This peptide was produced synthetically. Polyclonal antibodies were raised in rabbits and affinity purified on a peptide column. The antibody was tested in a quantitative EIA, immunoblots and in immunocytochemistry and found to be well-suited for all three types of application. The antibody did not crossreact with type X collagen and other extracellular matrix molecules in the EIA. In immunoblots of affinity-purified extracts of the Descemet membrane, a major source of type VIII collagen, the antibody detected several known forms of type VIII collagen. In immunocytochemistry the antibody stained endothelial and astrocytoma cells in monolayer cultures, and cells and extracellular matrix in cryosections of the human Ewing sarcoma, arterial vessels and chicken embryonic heart, whereas the chicken tibiotarsus remained negative. This distribution of immunoreactivity corresponds to the distribution of type VIII but not that of type X collagen. In conclusion this antibody may serve as a highly specific and sensitive tool for investigating the appearance and regulation of type VIII collagen.

The small proteoglycan decorin is known to interact with type I collagen fibrils, thereby influencing the kinetics of fibril formation and the distance between adjacent collagen fibrils. The structurally related proteoglycan biglycan has been proposed not to bind to fibrillar collagens. However, when osteosarcoma cells were cultured on reconstituted type I collagen fibrils, both decorin and biglycan were retained by the matrix. Immunogold labeling at the electron microscopic level showed that both proteoglycans were distributed along collagen fibrils not only in osteosarcoma cell-populated collagen lattices but also in human skin. Reconstituted type I collagen fibrils were able to bind in vitro native and N-glycan-free biglycan as well as recombinant biglycan core protein. From Scatchard plots dissociation, constants were obtained that were higher for glycanated biglycan (8.7 x 10(-8) mol/liter) than for glycanated decorin (7 x 10(-10) mol/liter and 3 x 10(-9) mol/liter, respectively). A similar number of binding sites for either proteoglycan was calculated. Recombinant biglycan and decorin were characterized by lower dissociation constants compared with the glycanated forms. Glycanated as well as recombinant decorin competed with glycanated biglycan for collagen binding, suggesting that identical or adjacent binding sites on the fibril are used by both proteoglycans. These data suggest that, because of its trivalency, biglycan could have a special organizing function on the assembly of the extracellular matrix.

The aggregation of platelets induced by collagens is considered an important step in primary hemostasis. Glycoprotein (GP) IIIb (GPIIIb, GPIV, CD36) has been proposed as a blood platelet receptor for collagen. Platelets from three healthy blood donors were shown to be clearly deficient in GPIIIb. These platelets aggregated normally in response to type I and III collagens. In addition, platelet factor 4, beta-thromboglobulin, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) secretion in response to type I and III collagens was normal. The findings indicate that GPIIIb is not the major, essential collagen receptor for type I and III collagens. This would explain why all individuals with GPIIIb-deficient platelets examined so far are healthy and, in particular, show no apparent evidence of hemostatic problems. However, in contrast to control platelets, no aggregation and impaired platelet factor 4, beta-thromboglobulin, and ATP secretion was observed in response to type V collagen. Therefore, it is postulated that for type V collagen-induced aggregation both GPIa/IIa and GPIIIb are essential.

Aortic smooth muscle cells were cultivated as monolayers on plastic or within collagen lattices with low- and high-serum supplementation, and the expression of mRNAs specific for pro alpha 1 (I) and pro alpha 1 (III) collagen were studied by slot blot hybridization. The steady-state levels of pro alpha 1 (I) and pro alpha 1 (III) collagen mRNA of cells within collagen lattices were found to be higher than those grown on plastic, although the production of collagen was lower. The degradation of pro alpha 1 (I) and pro alpha 1 (III) collagen mRNAs as revealed in the presence of actinomycin D was not affected by culturing the cells within a collagen lattice. In vitro translation assays of mRNAs of monolayer- and lattice-cultured cells showed no differences in translatability. These data suggest the involvement of posttranslational control of collagen production in collagen lattice-cultured smooth muscle cells.

The quality of peptic ulcer healing does not only mean complete epithelial restitution of the mucosal surface but also adequate repair of the underlying connective tissue. To obtain more information about the metabolism of extracellular matrix proteins in gastric mucosa and submucosa, we investigated biopsy specimens from six patients with antral peptic ulcers and six normal controls by staining of collagen types I, III, and IV with an immunofluorescence technique. In normal mucosa we found a certain amount of collagen types I and III in equal distribution and almost no collagen type IV. In contrast, there was a remarkable increase of collagen types I and III in peptic ulcers predominantly located at the ulcer edges. These results are compatible with the view that extracellular matrix proteins play some part in the ulcer healing process.

Types III, IV, VI collagen and laminin distribution in synovial tissue of seven autopsy knee joints from old human donors (69-94 years of age) were investigated with immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical methods. The synovial intima is separated from the subintimal tissue by an intermediate fibrillar zone rich in staining for type III collagen. In the intima basement membrane-like material associated with synovial lining cells stains for type IV collagen and laminin. Fine fibrils surrounding the lining cells stain for type VI collagen. In two of the cases type VI collagen occurs mainly as long-spacing collagen, the distinct aggregated form of type VI collagen. This staining pattern was qualitatively the same in all different regions and cases investigated. However, considerable quantitative differences were seen.

We investigated the effects of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the protein synthesis and production of collagen in cultured smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from the aortic media of pigs. SMCs were cultured as monolayers on plastic as well as in three-dimensional collagen lattices to gain some information about the influence of a preexisting collagenous matrix on the growth factor-induced effects. A 48-hour exposure of SMCs to TGF-beta 1 at concentrations of 5 ng/ml in the presence of 1% serum caused a marked enhancement of the production of collagen and noncollagen proteins. The rate of net collagen production by SMCs exposed to TGF-beta 1 was approximately threefold higher than that of control cells. Moreover, TGF-beta 1 specifically stimulated collagen synthesis, resulting in a greater proportion of collagen in total proteins synthesized compared with controls. The preexisting matrix of collagen lattices affects the response of SMCs to TGF-beta 1 and EGF. In monolayer cultures the collagen proportion increased twofold under the influence of TGF-beta 1, whereas in collagen lattices the specific stimulation of collagen synthesis was lower. We found that EGF enhanced TGF-beta 1-induced protein production in collagen lattices but not in monolayer cultures. In addition, the protein production by SMCs was influenced differently by EGF in these culture systems. Taken together, these data show a mutual influence of growth factors and extracellular matrix components on collagen production in SMCs, thus indicating that TGF-beta 1 may be an important pathophysiological regulator of collagen metabolism in the vessel wall.

Adult pig smooth muscle cells (SMC) were isolated from the aortic media by collagenase digestion, subcultured as monolayer, and then re-integrated into a three-dimensional network of type I collagen. The contractile state characteristic for resident arterial wall SMC changed to the synthetic, fibroblast-like state. The cells reorganized the randomly orientated collagen fibrils causing the lattice to shrink. The influence of the extracellular matrix on the ultrastructure, the proliferation, and the collagen synthesis of these SMC embedded in the collagen lattice was investigated and compared to cells cultured in monolayer. The amount of total protein and collagens synthesized by SMC embedded in lattices was lowered as compared to monolayer cultures. Whereas total protein synthesis decreased continuously during the culture period, the proportion of collagen synthesis remained at a constant level. Although cells proliferated in lattices, proliferation was clearly slowed down as compared to monolayer cultures. The ultrastructure of entrapped synthetic state SMC was comparable to that of monolayer-cultured cells. Their cytoplasm was largely filled by elements of the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complexes and abundant mitochondria. With prolonged culture time, electron-dense granules as well as bodies containing whorled membranes could be found in the cytoplasm. These results indicate that synthetic state SMC can exhibit differential biosynthetic activity dependent on the actual matrix environment; cells seem to be able to sense the macromolecular composition of the extracellular matrix and to modify their production of matrix components accordingly.

Cells with enhanced levels of collagen type I and III mRNA were identified and localized in frozen tissue sections from samples of human atherosclerotic renal and common iliac arteries by in situ hybridization using complementary 35S-labeled RNA probes. Serial sections were immunohistochemically stained for smooth muscle cells, monocytes, and differentiated macrophages. In the fibromuscular intima and in the fibrous plaques, cells with enhanced transcriptional activity were located mainly in the vicinity of differentiated macrophages. In three patients, lack of enhanced transcriptional activity in a proliferated intima was connected with complete absence of macrophages, thus indicating a quiescent stage of atherosclerosis. Immunohistochemical staining of serial sections for smooth muscle cells (SMC) revealed the presence of this cell type throughout the proliferated intima in atherosclerotic arteries including those areas in which enhanced collagen mRNAs were detected. The present results support the idea that macrophages play an important role in the activation of collagen synthesis in SMC of atherosclerotic vessel walls.

We have isolated and sequenced a fragment of 469 amino acid residues from bovine type VIII collagen. The sequence was composed of a series of Gly-X-Y repeats which was interrupted 8 times by short imperfections. The number and relative location of these interruptions were similar to those of chicken alpha 1(X) and rabbit alpha 1(VIII) chain triple-helical domains. Comparison to published N-terminal sequences to two triple-helical fragments of bovine type VIII collagen and to the cDNA derived sequence of the rabbit alpha 1(VIII) chain showed that this fragment was the triple-helical domain of a second type VIII collagen chain which we designate alpha 2(VIII).

Enhanced synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix components, including collagen, contribute significantly to arteriosclerotic changes in the arterial vessel wall. We localized cells actively synthesizing collagen by hybridizing 35S-labeled RNA probes complementary to type I and III collagen mRNA with cytoplasmic mRNA in frozen sections of surgically removed aortic coarctations. These were chosen as a model for comparing mRNA levels in areas of high blood pressure-induced wall thickening and in unaffected post-stenotic areas. In situ hybridization revealed increased expression of type I and III collagen mRNA in intimal cells and in cells adjacent to the medial-adventitial border in the pre-stenotic part of the coarctation. In contrast, cells of the post-stenotic area showed only a very low signal. No immunohistologically detectable macrophages were seen in the pre-stenotic subendothelial areas where mRNA levels were enhanced. Higher collagen mRNA levels therefore occur in particular regions of high blood pressure-induced arterial wall thickening in the absence of macrophages. The results suggest that in situ hybridization is suitable for detection of locally occurring transcriptional activation of cells for collagens in the vessel wall.

Small dermatan sulphate proteoglycan II from cultured human skin fibroblasts interacts with type I collagen in vitro and in vivo. When fibroblasts are maintained in a type I collagen lattice the proteoglycan remains exclusively within the lattice, and its association with fibrils can be demonstrated immunocytochemically. On the basis of [35S]sulphate incorporation, small proteoglycan II comprises about 80% of total proteoglycans secreted by cells in monolayer culture. In a collagen lattice, fibroblasts down-regulate its synthesis to the level of large chondroitin sulphate/dermatan sulphate and of heparan sulphate proteoglycans, the synthesis of which remains unaffected. Compared with the product from monolayer cultures, small proteoglycan II from collagen gels contained a longer polysaccharide chain which is characterized by a larger proportion of disulphated and a smaller proportion of monosulphated glucuronic acid-containing disaccharides. The half-life varied between 60 and 110 h. It is suggested that the compositional differences between the proteoglycan from monolayer cultures and from cells in a collagen lattice are related to the slower intracellular trafficking of the proteoglycan under the latter culture conditions.

Type VIII collagen was isolated from bovine Descemet's membranes by pepsin treatment and salt fractionation, as described by Kapoor et al. [(1986) Biochemistry 25, 3930-3937]. Contaminating type IV collagen was removed by ion-exchange chromatography. Purified type VIII collagen consisted of two different polypeptide chains and, compared to the fiber forming collagens, showed a higher thermal stability. Corresponding fractions isolated from pepsinized human Ewing's sarcoma and fetal calf aorta reacted immunologically with a protein of similar molecular mass. After extraction of Descemet's membranes with guanidine hydrochloride, a peptide of about 60 kDa was obtained. This seems to be the tissue form of type VIII collagen.

The distribution of type-VI collagen in the human iris and ciliary body was investigated by means of immunohistochemical techniques and compared with that of type-IV collagen, fibronectin and laminin. As has been described for other tissues, type-VI collagen surrounds type-I and -III collagen fibers. The aggregated form of type-VI collagen (the "long-spacing" or "curly" collagen), which has already been described in the trabecular meshwork and sclera, was also observed at the ciliary muscle tips surrounding the anterior elastic tendons of this muscle. In addition, staining for type-VI collagen was seen directly adjacent to the basement membranes of the ciliary muscle cells, the iris muscles, the uveal vascular endothelia and nerves, but not adjacent to the epithelial basement membranes. The staining did not form a discrete line like the immunoreaction for type-IV collagen, but bundles of marked fibrils extended into the surrounding connective tissue. We assume that type-VI collagen similar to type-VII collagen forms part of an anchoring system for these tissues. As type-VII collagen has been described only in connection with epithelial basement membranes, both type-VI and type-VII collagens may represent anchoring fibrils, however for different tissue components.

Fetal calf skin was solubilized by limited pepsin digestion and type III collagen separated from type I collagen by fractional salt precipitations. Cleavage of the type III collagen with CNBr gave rise to ten peptides, which were isolated by molecular sieve and ion exchange chromatography. The peptides were characterized by determination of their molecular weights and amino acid compositions. Together they account for all the amino acids and total molecular weight of the alpha1 (III) chain. Six of the peptides contain more hydroxyproline than proline residues. The two cysteinyl residues of the alpha1 (III) chain which provide sites for interchain disulfide bonding were localized in the C-terminal CNBr peptide. In addition to the ten CNBr peptides, three double peptides were isolated which still contained one methionine residue. About 0.1 residue Gal-Hyl monosaccharide and 0.8 Glc-Gal-Hyl residue disaccharide were found per alpha1 (III) chain. Almost all hydroxylysine-bound carbohydrate was located on peptide 7.

The microdistribution of type V collagen, fibronectin, and laminin on the luminal surface of perfusion-fixed normal rat aortic endothelium has been studied by an immunoelectron microscopic method using monospecific antibodies and a protein A-gold complex. Gold particles indicating the presence of these biologically active connective tissue proteins were localized in groups on and in the vicinity of the interendothelial border. They were also found on the small flaps of cell junctions as well as on certain cell projections and scattered on the cell surface. Correlative transmission electron-microscopic examinations proved the specificity of these localizations. The endothelial cells of the aorta differed markedly in the amount of scattered connective tissue proteins on their surface, suggesting that there are several types of aortic endothelial cells with distinct functional differences. The findings provide evidence that connective tissue proteins may contribute to the surface pattern of the normal endothelium, especially on cell borders. It is likely that these proteins influence functions such as the permeability and chemotactic activity of the endothelium pertinent to the development of vascular disease.

The amino terminal 227 amino acid residues of the alpha 1(III) chain contain four CNBr peptides: alpha 1(III)CB3A (79 residues), CB3B, CB3C (6 residues each), CB7 (37 residues) and CB6 (99 residues). Fragmentation of the CNBr peptides was carried out using trypsin, chymotrypsin and the protease from Staphylococcus aureus V8. The fragments obtained were isolated by a combination of molecular sieve and ion exchange chromatography. The sequence analysis was performed according to the automated Edman degradation procedure.

Fat-storing cells were isolated and purified from livers of normal adult rats and maintained in primary culture. By light and electron microscopy it was established that they underwent phenotypic changes into cells with the ultrastructural characteristics of myofibroblasts, between the third and sixth day in culture. These morphological changes were accompanied by a 2-fold increase of L-[3H]proline incorporation into secretory proteins and an 11-fold increase into secreted collagenase-sensitive proteins. In contrast, incorporation into cell layer-associated proteins and into cell layer-associated collagenase-sensitive proteins was not significantly elevated. Sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in combination with fluorography, demonstrated that the main collagen type secreted by the myofibroblast-like cells was collagen type I. Collagen types III and IV, and fibronectin were present in lesser amounts. The similarity between the well known in vivo alterations of fat-storing cells under pathological conditions and the spontaneous in vitro differentiation described in this study, makes primary cultures of fat-storing cells a valuable tool for studying their role in chronic liver disease.

Col 1(I), a collagenase-resistant segment of the amino-terminal propeptide of pro alpha 1(I) chains, is known to inhibit collagen synthesis in cultured skin fibroblasts and also in a cell-free protein synthesizing system by reducing the translation of procollagen mRNA. These findings prompted us to explore the fate of exogenous Col 1(I) in the cellular processing of human skin fibroblasts using colloidal gold labeled protein (Col 1(I)-Au). Distribution of Col 1(I)-Au on the cell surface was studied by the platinum-carbon replication technique. Three different types of binding pattern could be observed: 1) Binding sites in the form of a fibrillar network, 2) those in the form of clusters, and 3) solitary bound gold conjugates. The latter two cases were determined to be specific. The intracellular routing of Col 1(I)-Au was studied by thin sections. Specifically bound gold conjugates were found in coated pits and after the initiation of the internalization process in coated vesicles and endosomes. Acid phosphatase cytochemistry revealed that only a small amount of Col 1(I)-Au is delivered to lysosomes. The bulk of gold conjugates is present even after prolonged incubation at 37 degrees C in acid phosphatase-negative compartments of the cell. Our data suggest a mechanism in which Col 1(I) initially is bound to the cell surface and subsequently internalized via the coated pit-coated vesicle pathway.

The distribution of types I, III, IV and V collagen and of the glycoproteins fibronectin and laminin in sections of human aortas, arteries and atherosclerotic plaques were studied using monospecific antibodies and indirect fluorescence microscopy. Types IV and V collagen and laminin were present in a narrow zone, representing the basement membrane, apposed to the endothelial layers of all these tissues. Types I and III collagen and fibronectin were located in the interstitial spaces of the intima and the media of blood vessels walls, whereas types IV and V collagen and laminin were found in the basement membranes underlying smooth muscle cells in these areas. Two types of atherosclerotic plaques were observed. Lipid-rich plaques contained less collagen and reduced amounts of the glycoproteins. Fibrous plaques consisted of regions deficient in types I and III collagen and collagen-rich regions with elevated levels of these two collagens as well as more fibronectin. The collagen-rich regions of fibrous plaques contained, however, little type IV and type V collagen and little of the glycoproteins laminin and fibronectin. This may be due to the reduced number of cells involved in the biosynthesis of these basement membrane proteins.

Sixteen cases of typical highly malignant osteosarcoma were investigated by light, electron, and immunofluorescence microscopy to demonstrate the presence of collagen types I-III. It was shown that, in light-microscopically anaplastic areas of the tumor, collagen type III predominates, while only very few membranes of collagen type I are observed. Ultrastructurally, the cells are characterized by numerous free ribosomes in their cytoplasm and only a few membranes of granular endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In osteoblastic areas, collagen type I is increased, while type-III collagen is decreased. The cytoplasm of cells contains markedly more granular ER. An increasing mineralization of matrix is observed. In fibroblastic areas of the tumors, collagen types I and III are codistributed. Tumor cells have a fibroblast appearance with elongated nuclei and well developed granular ER. The chondroblastic areas, characterized by immature neoplastic cartilage, contain varying amounts of collagen type II. Chondroblast-like tumor cells have typical ring-shaped membranes of granular ER in their cytoplasm. The evidence of different collagen types in osteosarcomas lends additional support to the concept that a pluripotent mesenchymal cell is the stem cell of osteosarcomas.

Collagen type III possesses a highly reactive platelet-aggregatory site at a locus which in type I is essentially inactive whilst the latter collagen possesses reactive sites absent in type III. It is proposed that platelet aggregation by collagen involves the sequence GK[or R]PG(EY)GPK[or R]G(EY) or, less favourably, GPK[or R]G(EY)G(XY)GK[or R]PG(EY), one basic residue acting in combination with the second in an adjacent alpha-chain.

The Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type VI is an inherited disorder of collagen metabolism characterized by a defective lysyl hydroxylase. The resulting lack of hydroxylysine has been found in several connective tissues, all of which show varying degrees of clinical symptoms. In the present study, collagen was isolated from different connective tissues and the degree of hydroxylation of lysyl residues was determined. Subsequently, collagen types I, II, III, IV, and V have been prepared from a number of tissues. Insufficient hydroxylation of lysyl residues was found in type I and type III collagen, whereas types II, IV, and V showed normal amounts of hydroxylysine. The expression of the defect, even for type I and type III collagen, varied widely from one tissue to another. A complete lack of hydroxylysine was observed in skin, while it was less pronounced in tissues such as bone, tendon, lung, or kidney. The data suggest the presence of several isoenzymes having varying affinities to the different collagen types.

Type V collagen (TVC), fibronectin (FN), and laminin (LAM) were detected on the endothelial surface of mechanically injured rat aortas with the help of monospecific antisera and protein A - gold conjugates, carbon film surface replicas, and conventional embedding techniques. Deendothelialized tracks were produced in the thoracic aorta, and the presence of the connective tissue proteins on the luminal surface of the endothelium was studied. The changes in the distribution of the proteins during repair of the endothelial surface was followed for up to 6 days after injury. From 1 to 3 days after injury small numbers of gold particles, indicating the presence of TVC, were found between the adherent platelets on the freshly deendothelialized subendothelial matrix and in higher amounts on cell debris and collagen fibers. On the sixth day after injury, however, the amount of TVC between the sparsely distributed platelets on the deendothelialized areas was significantly higher than it was previously. FN and LAM were readily detectable on the subendothelial matrix and on the damaged marginal endothelial cells. These proteins were especially obvious on both margins of the tracks even from the first day after treatment. FN was found also in connection with fibrin precipitations as well as on the surface of some platelets and monocytes. The amount of FN and LAM present on the damaged area decreased slightly up to the sixth day. Monocytes and leukocytes adhered mostly at the margin of the wound area in the vicinity of the lesions on the endothelium. FN and LAM were often detectable under and around these adherent cells. Little of the connective tissue proteins was found on the uninjured and on the regenerated endothelial cells. The results showed subtle transitory changes in the surface pattern of the subendothelial connective tissue matrix of the injured intima. The adhesion of blood-borne cells may have been induced by FN and LAM on the endothelial surface near the lesions, and later partly prevented by increasing amounts of TVC on the surface.

A radioactive peptide has been isolated from cyanogen bromide digests of sodium boro[3H]-hydride-reduced collagen from rabbit bone, tendon and skin. It was identified as a crosslinked peptide linking the short C-terminal cyanogen bromide peptide alpha1-CB6B (17 amino acid residues) to alpha1-CB5 (37 residues) from the helical part of the chain of an adjacent molecule. Both peptides could be separated after cleaving the crosslink with periodate. Thus the crosslinked peptide alpha1-CB5 X alpha1-CB6B originates from an intermolecular crosslink between quarter-staggered molecules within collagen fibrils previously assigned as 'head-to-tail' link. The chemical nature of the reduced crosslinking component was identified and was shown to differ between peptides derived from different tissues: alpha1-CB6B X alpha1 CB5 from bone contains hydroxylysinohydroxynorleucine [o5Lys(o5omegaNle)] whereas the skin peptide contains hydroxylysinonorleucine [o5Lys(omegaNle)]. The peptide derived from tendon contains both components. The relation of o5Lys(omegaNle) to o5Lys(o5omegaNle) in the peptides corresponds to that of the original tissue. On the other hand, histidino-hydroxymerodesmosine which is a major reduced cross-linking component in skin and tendon, is completely absent in the isolated peptides. The crosslinking component in the skin peptide is completely glycosylated, mainly by glucosylgalactosyl residues and to a smaller extent by galactosyl residues. o5Lys(o5omegaNle) from the bone peptide is only partly glycosylated, containing equal amounts of the disaccharide and monosaccharide. Only slight glycosylation was found in the tendon peptide.

Short-chain collagen was isolated from bovine and from human placenta after limited pepsin digestion. By reductive cleavage of disulfide bonds under non-denaturing conditions, mainly non-collagenous domains were cleaved off yielding a uniform component composed of three polypeptide chains with molecular masses between 37 kDa and 48 kDa in a nearly equimolar ratio. The chains (SC1*, SC2* and SC3*) were isolated and characterized. By comparison of peptide patterns obtained after various cleavage procedures, they could be identified as more or less shortened forms of SC1, SC2 and SC3, the isolation of which from bovine short-chain collagen has been described [Jander et al. (1981) Eur. J. Biochem. 114, 17-25]. The peptide patterns; as well as N-terminal sequence determination, give evidence for the genetic individuality of the three chains; the data so far available suggest that together they form one triple-helical structure which represents the collagenous domain of the basic molecular unit of short-chain collagen.

Collagen synthesis in fibroblasts cultivated in collagen lattices is known to be repressed compared to synthesis in monolayer cultures on plastic. Inhibition of synthesis is supposed to be due to interactions between the plasma membrane and adjacent collagen fibrils. To evaluate how collagen synthesis is regulated in gel-cultured cells we cultivated fibroblasts within gels of polymerized alginate in which preexisting extracellular matrix components, e.g., type I collagen fibrils, were lacking. When alginate gels were examined at the ultrastructural level, normal collagen fibrils were not observed. However, broad sheets of microfibrillar material and so-called zebra bodies were found. The amount of collagen synthesized by fibroblasts in calcium alginate gels remained constant during the entire culture time and was about 70% of that produced in monolayer-cultured cells. This value corresponded to levels found in fully retracted collagen lattices on day 7 of culture. Our data suggest that interactions between the plasma membrane and adjacent collagen fibrils are not necessary for the inhibition of collagen synthesis. Thus, we present data that mechanical confinement is capable of inhibiting collagen synthesis in fibroblasts.

A radioimmunoassay was developed for the detection of 7 S collagen, a basement membrane component derived from type IV collagen, in sera of patients. Two forms of 7 S collagen were isolated by limited collagenase digestion of type IV collagen from bovine placenta. Antisera against both forms were raised in rabbits. The antigens were labeled by conjugation with the Bolton Hunter reagent or by the Chloramine T method. Free and bound antigen were separated using a second antibody directed against rabbit-IgG. Serum concentrations of 7 S collagen ranged from 5-14 micrograms/l. Serum levels of 7 S collagen were increased in diabetic patients as compared to normal subjects.

Smooth muscle cells were grown from explants of the tunica media of fetal and adult human aorta. Collagen was isolated after incubation with [14C]glycine and was characterized by ion-exchange chromatography. All cells investigated synthesized two types of collagen: Type I (chain composition [alpha1(I)]2alpha2) and type III (chain composition [alpha1(III)]3). The collagen made by cells from adult donors contained approximately 70% type I and 30% type III collagen. This corresponds to the collagen composition in teh original tissue. No age-relate change in the type I/type III ratio was found with cells from donors between 9 and 67 years of age. On the other hand, the type III portion of the collagen made by fetal cells was markedly less (about 15-20% of total collagen).

Serum concentrations of two basement membrane components (7S collagen and laminin P1) were detected by specific radioimmunoassays in 70 patients suffering from diabetes mellitus type I and II with and without clinical signs of microangiopathy. Serum levels of both antigens were increased compared to controls. 7S collagen concentrations were significantly different between the diabetics with signs of microvascular damage and those without small-vessel disease (p less than 0.05). Laminin P1 concentrations were also elevated, but the difference between the two groups of diabetics was not significant (p less than 0.2). Raised levels of circulating basement membrane proteins may indicate connective tissue activity and development of diabetic microangiopathy. In vitro 7S collagen is a moderate platelet activator inducing platelet spreading, aggregation, and malondialdehyde production. Laminin activates platelet spreading. As a part of the altered hemostatic system the activation of basement membrane components may contribute to the development of microvascular damage.

Cross-strained fiber bundles called long-spacing collagen or curly collagen occur in normal eyes in the trabecular meshwork. It can be seen in the basement membrane of the trabecular lamellae, in the sheath of the elastic-like fibers and underneath the inner wall of Schlemm's canal, where it forms part of the so called plaque material. The amount of this long-spacing collagen increases with age and is significantly more pronounced in glaucomatous eyes. Using immunohistochemical and immuno-electronmicroscopic methods, we have been able to show that type VI collagen is present in the aggregates called long-spacing collagen.

Specific radioimmunoassays were used to quantify two basement membrane components, 7S collagen and laminin P1, in sera of 70 patients suffering from diabetes mellitus types I and II with and without clinical signs of chronic diabetic complications. Serum levels of both antigens were increased in diabetics compared to controls (p less than 0.001). Concentrations of 7S collagen were significantly different in diabetics with signs of microvascular damage compared to those without small vessel disease (p less than 0.05). The difference between laminin P1 concentrations in the two groups of diabetics was not significant (p less than 0.2). The augmented levels of circulating 7S collagen and laminin P1 may reflect alterations of basement membrane metabolism. Thus, the measurement of concentrations of these basement membrane components in serum may be a useful tool for monitoring the development of chronic diabetic complications.

Human skin fibroblasts were cultivated within the three-dimensional space of polymerized alginate and collagen, respectively. The in vitro synthesis of collagens and proteoglycans was measured during the first 3 days of culture, and the deposition as well as the ultrastructural organization of newly synthesized extracellular matrix components were examined by electron microscopy. The amount of collagens and proteoglycans synthesized by fibroblasts, embedded in calcium alginate gels as well as in collagen lattices, was lowered as compared to monolayer cultures. Furthermore, it was found that collagen synthesis was reduced to a greater extent in alginate gels than in collagen lattices. On the contrary, total proteoglycan biosynthesis was similarly reduced either in alginate gels or in collagen lattices. At the end of a 3-day-culture period, filamentous material as well as cross-striated banded structures were found extracellularly in the alginate gel. According to their periodicity, their banding pattern, their association with polyanionic matrix components and their sensitivity towards glycosaminoglycan-degrading enzymes we could distinguish (1) sheets of amorphous non-banded material consisting of irregularly arranged filaments and containing dermatan sulfate-rich proteoglycans (type I structures), (2) sheets of long-spacing fibrils consisting of parallel orientated filaments and containing chondroitin sulfate-rich proteoglycans (= zebra bodies; type II structures), and (3) fibrillar structures with a complex banding pattern different from that of native collagen fibrils (type III structures). In fibroblasts cultured in collagen lattices, we only sporadically found depositions which are identified as type I structures. Using indirect immunoelectron microscopy and monospecific polyclonal antibodies, we localized type VI collagen in type I structures and type II structures. Type III structures can be identified as type I collagen derived as becomes obvious by comparison with segment long spacing crystallites of type I collagen.

A sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide electrophoretic method, which in contrast to other biochemical procedures, e.g. differential salt precipitation or ion exchange chromatography and molecular sieve chromatography, is applicable to smallest amounts of protein, is shown to be suitable for the determination of the collagen types from small skin samples, such as routine skin biopsies. After urea extraction, the tissue samples are cleaved with cyanogen bromide. The resulting CNBr peptides derived from the different alpha-chains are resolved in 12% SDS-polyacrylamide gels. Densitometric profiles of the gel electrophoretic patterns correspond to the collagen type content of the tissue specimens. Comparing fetal to adult skin, the higher content of type III collagen in the case of fetal skin can be demonstrated.

The 140 000-dalton collagenous glycoprotein (CGP) from calf aorta and ligament characterized by Gibson & Cleary (1982) [Gibson, M.A., & Cleary, E.G. (1982) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 105, 1288-1295] has been studied. In the electron microscope, rotary-shadowed CGP molecules appear similar to the dimers of type VI collagen (short-chain collagen, intima collagen) described by other authors [Furthmayr, H., Wiedemann, H., Timpl, R., Odermatt, E., & Engel, J. (1983) Biochem. J. 211, 303-311] except that they have larger globular domains. As shown by gel electrophoresis, pepsin treatment of CGP at 4 degrees C either before or after reduction releases polypeptide chains corresponding in size to those of type VI collagen. Electron microscopic examination shows that pepsin digestion of nonreduced CGP removes the outer globular domains, reduces the size of the inner ones, and separates the paired central strands. The residual structures look like type VI collagen dimers. When intact CGP is reduced, monomers with two large globular ends are obtained. Pepsin digestion of monomers removes most or all of both globular domains. In immunoblots, CGP and its pepsin-derived fragments react with antibodies directed against type VI collagen. The results indicate that type VI collagen is an integral component of CGP.

The order of the cyanogen-bromide-derived peptides from alpha 1 (III) chains of pepsin-solubilized calf skin collagen was found to be 3A-3B-3C-7-6-1,8,2-4-5-9A-9B. The amino-acid sequences of the NH2-terminal region of all peptides were determined by Edman's automated degradation procedure. The alignment of the peptides along the peptide chain was established by searching for the best homology between the partial sequences of the cyanogen bromide peptides from the alpha 1 (III) chain and the completely known sequence of the alpha 1 (I) chain. Characterization of three cyanogen-bromide-derived double peptides provided confirmation of the deduced order. A sequence Gly-Met-Hyl-Gly-His-Arg-Gly-Phe- was established near the NH2-terminus and a sequence Gly-Ile-Hyl-Gly-His-Arg-Gly-Phe near the COOH-terminus of the alpha 1(III) chain. Identical sequences have been found in the corresponding regions of the alph 1(I) chain. They include hydroxylysine, a site for intermolecular crosslink formation. Because these sequences are conserved during evolution of the collagen molecule, they are probably important for collagen structure and function.