Hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine in different tissues of human embryos

Abstract

The collagen content in various tissues of human embryos was studied at four different steps of the maturation process. The umbilical cord of a 16-17 week old embryo was found to be active in collagen biosynthesis, Tibia, articular cartilage and skin showed of a peak of total hydroxyproline in the 16-17th week, decreasing later on, while the hydroxyproline decreased in umbilical cord from the 15-16th week to the 24th week. Hydroxylysine followed the hydroxyproline changes in articular cartilage and umbilical cord.