| Abstract: | The synthesis of elastin by smooth muscle cells was clearly demonstrated by amino acid analyses and the presence of lysine-derived crosslinks. The values obtained were compatible with those found in amorphous elastin isolated from rabbit aortic tissue. Collagen synthesis by these same cells was monitored by the appearance of 14C] hydroxyproline when the cells were grown in the presence of 14C] proline. When the cells were pulsed with 14C] lysine, one could detect 14C] hydroxylysine and 14C] glucosylgalactosylhydroxylysine. Further evidence for the synthesis of elastin and collagen was the finding of radiolabelled epsilon-hydroxynorleucine and the reduced aldol condensate of two residues of allysine after reduction of 14C] lysine pulsed cells with NaBH4. |
