[The changes in collagen contents and its clinical significance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Type III procollagen (P IIIP) hyaluronic acid (HA) and fibronectin (Fn) were assayed in patients with COPD, with radio-immunoassay (RIA). The results were shown as follows: The mean levels of P IIIP, HA were significantly higher than those of normal (P < 0.05, < 0.05). Plasma Fn was consistantly in lower level in COPD (P < 0.05). It is suggested that P IIIP, HA and Fn played a role in development of pulmonary fibrosis and quantification of such collagen contents may be a sensitive index to assess the degree of pulmonary fibrosis and to predict the prognosis of patients with COPD.