Abstract
The structural integrity of the heart is dependent on an extensive network of fibrillar collagens. First recognised in skeletal muscle by Holmgren in 1907, 1 Holmgren E Ueber die Trophospongien der quergestreiften Muskelfasern, nebst Bemerkungen uber den allgemeinen Bau dieser Fasern. Arch Mikrosk Anat. 1907; 71: 165-201 Crossref Scopus (21) Google Scholar these collagen fibres are grouped in weaves that surround myocytes, struts that interconnect adjacent myocytes, small fibrils that attach the plasma membrane to the encircling basal lamina, long tendon-like bundles that link adjacent weaves, and collagen struts that connect the myocytes to adjacent capillaries. 2 Borg TK Caulfield JB The collagen matrix of the heart. Fed Proc. 1981; 40: 2037-2041 PubMed Google Scholar This complex scaffolding facilitates the transmission of force between neighbouring myocytes, maintains capillary patency during ventricular contractions, maintains lateral cell-to-cell alignment, and precludes cell slippage and ventricular-cavity dilatation during diastole. 3 Weber KT Cardiac interstitium in health and disease: the Fibrillar Collagen Network. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1989; 13: 1637-1652 Summary Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (841) Google Scholar In addition, collagen cross-linking is an important determinant of systolic and diastolic performance. In the cardiac extracellular matrix, collagens are produced by fibroblasts, the most common collagen subtypes in the myocardium being types I and III. 3 Weber KT Cardiac interstitium in health and disease: the Fibrillar Collagen Network. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1989; 13: 1637-1652 Summary Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (841) Google Scholar Type I, which predominates in the heart, has a higher tensile strength than type III, which provides greater distensibility. To what extent is research into their metabolism contributing to the development of therapies for heart failure?
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