The extracellular matrix (ECM) has been successfully used as a scaffold for constructive remodeling of multiple tissues in both preclinical studies and in human clinical applications. The basement membrane is a specialized form of the ECM that supports and facilitates the growth of epithelial cell populations. The morphology and the molecular composition of the ECM, including the basement membr...

Equine immunoglobulin was detected along the glomerular basement membrane of three human homograft recipients who had been treated with equine anti-lymphocyte globulin. Anti-lymphocyte globulins, given these patients, were obtained by immunization of horses with lymphocytes from human spleens and/or lymph nodes and contained glomerular basement membrane-reactive antibodies. Quantitative paired-...

The biophysical properties of the basement membrane that surrounds human breast glands are poorly understood, but are thought to be decisive for normal organ function and malignancy. Here, we characterize the breast gland basement membrane with a focus on molecule permeation and mechanical stability, both crucial for organ function. We used well-established and nature-mimicking MCF10A acini as ...

Progress has been made in identifying and characterizing basement membrane macromolecules, including type IV collagen, laminin, a heparan sulfate proteoglycan and bullous pemphigoid antigen. Basement membrane contains a unique collagen, type IV collagen, which is formed of pro alpha 1(IV) (Mr = 185,000) and pro alpha 2(IV) (Mr = 170,000) chains. As opposed to the fibrillar pattern seen with oth...

background: nicotine can pass through placental blood barrier and accumulate in the developing organs of fetus. also, entering the breast milk, nicotine can have an effect on the neonates. investigations have showed that collagen iv is one of the most important micro vessels basement membrane components. objective:  in this study, the effect of maternal nicotine exposure in pre and postnatal pe...

Basement membranes are composed of ordered arrays of characteristic extracellular matrix proteins, but little is known about the assembly of these structures in vivo. We have investigated the function of dystroglycan, a cell-surface laminin receptor expressed by cells contacting basement membranes in developing and adult tissues. We find that dystroglycan is required for the formation of a base...

Radon mitigation by natural basement ventilation was compared to mitigation by forced ventilation (pressurization) and to mitigation by the operation of a modified heating and air conditioning (HAC) system in a series of experiments conducted during the spring and summer in a research house. Both natural ventilation and basement pressurization reduced average basement radon concentrations from ...