Collagen content in human ulnar nerve.

A quantitative analysis of ulnar nerve collagen in the arm and forearm was undertaken in nine subjects. While endoneurial collagen was found to be significantly increased within the cubital tunnel, extrafascicular collagen did not increase at the elbow except in two nerves showing fusiform enlargements. Renaut bodies increased in frequency at sites of high endoneurial collagen content. Morphological determinations of cross-sectional area along the ulnar nerve did not correlate with quantitative collagen data.

Collagen and protein content of autopsied peripheral nerve.

Rat sciatic nerve was assayed for total collagen and total protein both immediately post-mortem and at weekly intervals after death. No significant difference was found in collagen and protein content between corresponding nerve segments assayed fresh and up to 4 weeks post mortem. However, variation was found in peripheral nerve collagen content between adjacent lengths of sciatic nerve. These results suggest that peripheral nerve collagen and protein remain stable under cool-room conditions for several weeks after death.