Age-related distribution of collagen and glycoproteins in the blood vessels of the human uterine tube

Localization and distribution of both collagen (types I, III, IV, V, VI) and glycoproteins (undulin, fibronectin, laminin, tenascin, vitronectin) in the blood vessels of the human uterine tube were investigated immunohistochemically. In the tubal arteries of premenopausal and postmenopausal women, type I, III, V and VI collagen and undulin have very characteristic distribution patterns. The proteins could be observed predominantly in both the intima and a zone between media and adventitia. This zone was condensed in arteries after the menopause. With increasing age, the reactivity of type I, III, V and VI collagen and undulin increased even more. Furthermore, the glycoproteins fibronectin, laminin, tenascin and vitronectin were also detected. Relating to immunohistochemical reactivity of these glycoproteins no age-dependent differences in the tubal arteries existed. The staining intensity of fibronectin was always weaker compared to that of undulin. Similarly to laminin and type IV collagen fibronectin was detected in intima and media. Tenascin was also found in blood vessels and prominently in the media and intima. Vitronectin was associated with fine granular and fibrous structures in the intima and the media of all arterial and venous vessels. The enhanced perimenopausal production of both collagen and undulin in the arterial wall should lead to changes of the elastic properties of the tubal arteries.