Abstract
Summary
A technique for the purification of insoluble human myocardial collagen is described. The digestion rate of old collagen with collagenase is much less than that of mature collagen. These findings are similar to those in human tendon collagen. It is suggested that progressive stabilization of collagen with age may be a generalized phenomenon, and responsible, in part, for the decline of myocardial function with age.
The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Dr. Lester Adelson and Dr. Charles S. Hirsch of the Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office for providing the heart tissue.
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