SOME CHARACTERISTICAL CHANGES IN MUCIN OF HUMAN AORTA WITH AGING AND DEVELOPING ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Abstract

Ropes et al. conducted extensive studies on the characteristical changes of synovial fluid mucin with various diseases. The mucin from normal synovial fluid when precipitated with acetic acid formes a tough, ropy mass while the surrounding solution is completely clear. But a reduction in viscosity and a loss of characteris tical precipitation of mucin are caused by joint disease and they are similar to those of the in-vitro depolymerization of mucin. They stated that the degree of destruction of mucin can be estimated best by the reduction of mucin clot reaction such as a friable precipitate and cloudy surrounding solution. On the atherosclerotic changes of arterial tissues, there are evidences that they may be accelerated with the destruction of ground substance. Thus, the interest of the present authors was directed toward the elucidation of changing mode of clot reaction of human aortic mucin with aging and developing atherosclerosis.