Disaggregation of Connective Tissue: Preparation of Fibrous Components from Sea Cucumber Body Wall and Calf Skin

In order to study the nature of highly organized components of connective tissue, preparation of fibrous components of collagen in their intact form was attempted by chemical treatment. By use of a solution consisting of 0.5M NaCl, 0.1M Tris-HCl buffer, pH 8.0, 0.05M EDTA-Na, and 0.2M β-mercaptoethanol the body wall of sea cucumber, Stichopus japonicus, and calf skin chips were found to be disaggregated into collagen fibril and fiber bundle, respectively. The collagen fiber-bundle of calf skin was further disaggregated into collagen fiber by stirring in acetic acid solution in the cold. The nature of the assembly of fibrous components of connective tissues was investigated with reference to animal and tissue sources.