Granulocyte collagenase: selective digestion of type I relative to type III collagen.

Publication Type Academic Article
Authors Horwitz A, Hance A, Crystal R
Journal Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
Volume 74
Issue 3
Pagination 897-901
Date Published 03/01/1977
ISSN 0027-8424
Keywords Fibroblasts, Macrophages, Microbial Collagenase, Neutrophils
Abstract Collagenases produced by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes, human lung fibroblasts, and rabbit pulmonary alveolar macrophages were compared in their ability to digest soluble native type I and type III collagens. While the fibroblast and macrophage collagenases attacked the two substrates at approximately equal rates, the leukocyte collagenase attacked type I collagen preferentially (15:1) in comparison to type III collagen. This was true with human or rabbit collagen substrates. Thus, proteolysis of collagen, particularly in acute inflammation, may have a significant role in controlling the types of collagen present in connective tissue.
DOI 10.1073/pnas.74.3.897
PubMed ID 191839
PubMed Central ID PMC430521
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