Collagen and protein content of autopsied peripheral nerve.

Rat sciatic nerve was assayed for total collagen and total protein both immediately post-mortem and at weekly intervals after death. No significant difference was found in collagen and protein content between corresponding nerve segments assayed fresh and up to 4 weeks post mortem. However, variation was found in peripheral nerve collagen content between adjacent lengths of sciatic nerve. These results suggest that peripheral nerve collagen and protein remain stable under cool-room conditions for several weeks after death.