Distribution of macromolecular components in calf dermal connective tissue.

Distribution of type I and type III collagens, glycosaminoglycans and non-collagenous glycoprotein(s) in calf skin has been investigated in five horizontally sliced layers of 250 microns thickness from the surface to the bottom. The upper dermis (the top three layers) consisting of fine collagen fibers had a higher ratio of hyaluronic acid/dermatan sulfate than the lower layers where coarse collagen fibers are mainly located. The ratios of total glycosaminoglycans/collagen and glycoprotein(s) collagen were higher in the upper dermis, while dermatan sulfate/collagen remained constant throughout the dermis. Relative content of type III collagen/total collagen (type I + III collagens) was also higher in the upper dermis. Possible involvement of these macromolecular constituents in collagen fibrillogenesis in vivo is also discussed.