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Published on: October 12, 2013
Extracellular matrix composition and gene expression in collagenous colitis
T Aigner1, D Neureiter, S Müller
1Department of Pathology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
Gastroenterology
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Collagenous colitis involves subepithelial bandlike structures rich in type VI collagen and tenascin. This suggests reduced matrix degradation, not increased synthesis, causes these changes in the extracellular matrix.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Collagenous colitis is a rare diarrheal disease with unknown causes.
- Histology reveals characteristic subepithelial bandlike structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the biochemical makeup of subepithelial bands in collagenous colitis.
- To investigate the origin of these bandlike structures.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization on endoscopic biopsy specimens.
- Analysis using antibodies and riboprobes for collagen types I, III, IV, VI, and tenascin.
Main Results:
- Subepithelial bands in collagenous colitis showed prominent staining for type VI collagen and tenascin.
- Normal mucosal matrix composition was largely unaffected, except for the bands.
- No significant increase in collagen type VI mRNA was observed in cells within the bands.
Conclusions:
- Collagenous colitis represents a localized extracellular matrix alteration, involving the pericryptal-subepithelial myofibroblast sheath.
- Subepithelial matrix accumulation is likely due to reduced matrix degradation rather than increased synthesis.
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