The charge structure and ionic interactions of elastin prepared from the pig thoracic aorta by acid, alkali, or CNBr extraction have been investigated by potentiometric titration and radiotracer techniques. The number of charged groups was consistent with the amino acid composition, comparable to elastin from other sources and insensitive to the method of preparation. The enthalpies of ionization of the basic groups were comparable for those previously found for proteins but those of the acidic groups were higher. Ionic interactions were predominantly electrostatic although a strong affinity for chloride ions was noted. Changes in ionic interactions as the elastin was stretched had a similar effect to an increase in the apparent fixed charge density of the tissue. Mechanical strain altered the protonation of the elastin and the pK of the carboxyl groups. Conversely, the conformation of the elastin network varied with ionic strength and pH, being particularly sensitive to the degree of ionization of the more basic groups and with the ionic strength and anion composition of the medium. We speculate that strain induced changes in the conformation of elastin altering its reactivity towards lipids, ions or matrix macromolecules or changes in its mechanical properties resulting from changes in its ionic environment may be of physiological or pathological importance.
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August 1992
Research Papers
The Polyelectrolyte Properties of Elastin
C. P. Winlove,
C. P. Winlove
Physiological Flow Studies Unit, Centre for Biological and Medical Studies, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
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K. H. Parker,
K. H. Parker
Physiological Flow Studies Unit, Centre for Biological and Medical Studies, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
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A. R. Ewins,
A. R. Ewins
Physiological Flow Studies Unit, Centre for Biological and Medical Studies, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
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N. E. Birchler
N. E. Birchler
Physiological Flow Studies Unit, Centre for Biological and Medical Studies, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
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C. P. Winlove
Physiological Flow Studies Unit, Centre for Biological and Medical Studies, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
K. H. Parker
Physiological Flow Studies Unit, Centre for Biological and Medical Studies, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
A. R. Ewins
Physiological Flow Studies Unit, Centre for Biological and Medical Studies, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
N. E. Birchler
Physiological Flow Studies Unit, Centre for Biological and Medical Studies, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
J Biomech Eng. Aug 1992, 114(3): 293-300 (8 pages)
Published Online: August 1, 1992
Article history
Received:
June 28, 1991
Revised:
March 17, 1992
Online:
March 17, 2008
Citation
Winlove, C. P., Parker, K. H., Ewins, A. R., and Birchler, N. E. (August 1, 1992). "The Polyelectrolyte Properties of Elastin." ASME. J Biomech Eng. August 1992; 114(3): 293–300. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2891386
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