[Distribution of collagen types I, III, IV and V in the walls of human arteries].

Using immunofluorescence the localization of I, II, IV, V type collagen in different layers of the artery wall was established. The adventitia was shown to contain only I and III type collagen. All collagen types studied were identified in the media. The structural organization and quantity of different types of collagen were found to depend on the artery caliber. The distribution of I, III, IV, V type collagen in the aortal intima is described. The localization of athrombogenic collagen of type IV and V in the area of the endothelial basal membrane is highlighted. The authors revealed the presence of I and III type collagen in the subendothelium and the age-related increase in interstitial collagen levels in the intima which is important for predicting thrombosis in deendothelization . Employing immunoelectron microscopy, previously undescribed forms of I, III, IV, V type collagen organization into microgranular structures were ascertained.