[Role of carbohydrate-protein complexes in the organization of the microstructure of fibrous connective tissue].

Samples of the tendons and fascia subjected to the action of amylolytic and proteolytic enzymes (protorysin, trypsin) were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Degradation of the carbohydrate-protein complexes proved to bring about disappearance of the characteristic morphological signs of the collagen fibers. It was shown that a network of thin anastomosing filaments forming a framework connected with the carbohydrate-protein matrix underlay construction of the collagen fibers. As assumed, the net-like structure was a common principle in the structural organization of fibrous connective tissue.