Collagen content and types in the intestinal strictures of Crohn's disease

The collagen content and the relative amount of collagen types were quantitated in control intestine as well as in both inflamed and strictured intestine resected from patients with Crohn's disease. The major collagen type in control intestine was type I (68%), followed by types III (20%) and V (12%). In strictured intestine both collagen content and the relative amount of type V collagen were significantly increased compared with control intestine. Histologic studies demonstrated that in strictured specimens there was a striking proliferation of smooth muscle cells of the muscularis mucosae associated with an accumulation of collagen in the submucosa. The thickness of the muscularis propria was also increased. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated small amounts of type V collagen in the submucosa of control bowel. In contrast, large amounts of type V collagen were seen in the fibrotic, expanded submucosa of strictured bowel, particularly in the areas where smooth muscle cells of the muscularis mucosae had proliferated. Intestinal strictures in Crohn's disease are therefore characterized by an accumulation of collagen, a proliferation of smooth muscle cells, and an increase in type V collagen, a collagen type produced in relatively large amounts by smooth muscle cells. These changes appear to result in both a loss of the normal compliance of the intestine and a thickening of the intestine wall, resulting ultimately in the intestinal obstruction so frequently seen in patients with Crohn's disease.