INFLUENCE OF AGE ON CROSS-LINKS OF ELASTIN IN LIGAMENTUM NUCHAE

Twenty-six samples of elastin from bovine nuchal ligaments ranging in age from fetal (6-9 months), calves (3-5 weeks) to adult cows were examinated, and differences in desmosine and isodesmosine content were estimated. In addition, 4 whole inmature and mature nuchal ligaments were used. The desmosine and isodesmosine was significantly higher in samples obtained from calves than in those from the fetuses. The increase between calves and adult cows was not significant. In principle, the changes with time observed in the whole ligaments were similar. The formation of desmosines is most rapid about the time of birth. The authors compare the findings with the changes in water and elastin content in ligamentum nuchae with age, and conclude that the increase of cross-links in the ligament is due not only to the increase of elastin, but to the increase of desmosine cross-bridges per unit weight as well. © 1968.