ISSN:
0006-3525
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Polymer and Materials Science
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
The diameters of the fibrin fibers in a clot are not uniform. Morphometric analysis of transmission electron micrographs show a bimodal distribution. The effect of polydispersity of fiber diameter on mass-length ratio calculated from the turbidity and permeability of a clot has been investigated with the aid of a two network model, the networks being called Major and Minor. The fibers in the Major network are many times thicker than those in the Minor network. In a model in which Major network fibers are 10 times thicker than fibers of the Minor network, the fibers in the Minor network make a negligible contribution to the turbidity of the clot. However, they may have a marked effect on its permeability. Experiments with clots made from human fibrinogen show that the Minor network is stabilized by α-polymer and γ-γ linkages and that without such linkages it is washed away during permeation. It remains relatively intact in crosslinked clots. In agreement with the theoretical model, when mass-length ratios calculated from the turbidity are compared with those calculated from the permeability, the latter were reduced in crosslinked clots with an intact Minor network.
Additional Material:
4 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bip.360210604
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