Degradation of bovine corneal collagen by alkali.
This study was undertaken to demonstrate the effect of alkali on the molecular size of collagen. Type I and V collagen from bovine cornea were incubated with different concentrations of NaOH at room temperature and 37 degrees C for various times. The samples were then neutralized and analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Degradation of collagen molecules to a heterogeneous mixture of peptides with molecular weights less than 20,000 daltons occurred at concentrations greater than 0.25N, and the effect of alkali was much faster at 37 degrees C than at room temperature. In contrast, the molecular size of collagen was not affected by similar concentrations of HCl under similar conditions of time and temperature.
Berry
S M
SM
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio.
Hong
B S
BS
Lam
K W
KW
Haddox
J L
JL
Pfister
R R
RR
D000468:Alkalies; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism*; D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide / Q000378:metabolism
D000468:Alkalies; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide; D003094:Collagen