Immunohistochemical distribution of the collagen types IV, V, VI and glycoprotein laminin in the healthy rat, marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and human gingivae.

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the localization of collagen types IV, V and VI as well as the glycoprotein laminin in biopsies of healthy rat, marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and human gingivae. The slices, after the use of indirect immunofluorescence (incubation with antibodies against these extracellular matrix components), showed the same distribution with the anti-type IV and laminin antibodies on the basement membranes of the epithelium, blood vessels and nerves. Collagen type V, as a filamentous, and collagen type VI, as microfibrillar components, were localized in a similar pattern in the different species. In contrast to the other species, collagen type VI could not be found near the basement membranes of vessels and nerves of the marmoset gingiva. This result shows differences between human and monkey tissues, but not between rat and human gingivae, and conforms the heterogeneity of collagen type VI in the various cell and tissue types.