MICROFIBRILLAR ELEMENTS OF THE DERMAL MATRIX

Connective tissue microfibrils are key structural elements of the derm al matrix which play major roles in establishing and maintaining the s tructural and mechanical integrity of this complex tissue. Type VI col lagen microfibrils form extensive microfibrillar networks which interc alate between the major collagen fibrils and are juxtaposed to cellula r basement membranes, blood vessels and other interstitial structures. Fibrillin microfibrils define the continuous elastic network of skin, and are present in dermis as microfibril bundles devoid of measureabl e elastin extending from the dermal-epithelial junction and as compone nts of the thick elastic fibres present in the deep reticular dermis. Electron microscopic analyses have revealed both classes of microfibri ls to have complex ultrastructures. The ability to isolate intact nati ve microfibrils from skin has enabled a combination of high resolution and biochemical techniques to be applied to elucidate their structure :function relationships. These approaches have generated new informati on about their molecular organisation and physiological interactions i n health and disease. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.