Macromolecular composition of the sarcolemma and endomysium in the rat.

The macromolecular composition of sarcolemma and endomysium was studied by classical staining methods for glycosaminoglycans and using immunological techniques for proteins. Both proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans (heparan sulphate, dermatan sulphate, chondroitin sulphate) could be detected in the sarcolemma. Type IV and type V collagen and laminin were found exclusively in the sarcolemma and endomysium. Type I and type III collagen as well as fibronectin were detected both in the endomysium and perimysium.