The distribution of collagen types I, III and V (AB) in normal and atherosclerotic human aorta.

Collagen of types I, III and V has been identified and localised in adult human aorta, coronary arteries and atherosclerotic plaques using an indirect immunofluorescent method with specific antibodies to human collagen antigens. The distribution of the three types of collagen was distinct. Type I collagen was found around smooth muscle cells in the aortic media and in large amounts in the atherosclerotic plaque. Type III collagen was found in dense deposits alongside the elastic laminae in the aortic media and in diffuse intimal thickening. In the aortic media, there appeared to be more type III collagen than type I. The reverse was true in advanced atherosclerotic plaques. Type V collagen was distributed throughout the extracellular matrix in the aortic media and in the subendothelial region of plaques. These findings confirm earlier biochemical studies and suggest that a major shift in the nature of collagen synthesis occurs within advanced atherosclerotic plaques.