Relationship between magnesium and elastic fibres.
The presence of magnesium was demonstrated by histochemical methods in elastic fibres from different locations. After pretreatment with elastase a positive reaction could no longer be detected. Microfibrils which enclose the elastin core of the elastic fibres gave no positive reaction. These results support the supposition of a close relationship between Mg and elastin. Determination of the Ca/Mg ratio by atomic absorption spectrometry in variants of fibrous connective tissue showed a decreasing Ca level with increasing elasticity. The Ca/Mg ratio in lattices containing rubber-like particles disclosed striking diminution of Ca. These data support the speculation that the antagonism of Mg to Ca plays a fundamental role in the maintenance of elasticity. The special interaction of the Mg2+ ion with water molecules is very probably a further prerequisite for elasticity in natural elastic materials.
Müller
W
W
Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Germany.
Iffland
R
R
Firsching
R
R
D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D004547:Elastic Tissue / Q000737:chemistry*; D004549:Elastin / Q000032:analysis; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D008274:Magnesium / Q000032:analysis*; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase / Q000494:pharmacology; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic
D004549:Elastin; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase; D008274:Magnesium; D002118:Calcium