Banga Ilona B.: Structure and function of elastin and collagen (Budapest, 1966)
I. BANGA STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF ELASTIN AND COLLAGEN The author summarizes the results of the work carried out by herself and her collaborators during 15 years, and points out that there is an organic connection between the macromolecular structure and function of tissue fibres, particularly those that are built up of elastin and collagen proteins. The fibres have a complex chemical structure and, according to the author, small amounts of mucoid and mucolipoid have important effects on function. The experiments in which a change in the function of the fibres results from breakdown with elastolytic enzymes are proof of this. The author discusses elastolytic enzymes and their inhibitors, and the literature dealing with their preparation and the mechanism of their action. Recent results are mentioned where, as a result of the specific effect of elastase and elastomucoproteinase, the complex structure of elastic fibres is demonstrated by combined polarization optics and histochemical methods. The effect of elastase on the serum lipids of patients suffering from atherosclerosis is dealt with. AKADÉMIAI KIADÓ PUBLISHING HOUSE OF THE HUNGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES BUDAPEST V. ALKOTMÁNY UTCA 21.