STUDIES ON THE COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN CONTENT OF THE HUMAN LUNG*†

Abstract
The alkaline extraction method of Lowry, Gilligan and Katersky was used to measure collagen and elastin in the right middle lobes of 48 people who did not die of lung disease. Elastin increased significantly with advancing age whether expressed as percentage of initial sample weight or as total amount dry weight. The total collagen and elastin content of the right middle lobes was similar in men and women, although the weight of the lobes was smaller in women.