The annulus fibrosus contains both type I and type II collagen; nucleus
pulposus is reputed to contain mostly collagen II with a little collagen I
around the edge.

Allen A. Smith, Ph.D.
Barry University
School of Graduate Medical Sciences
    Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
Miami Shores, Florida  33161-6695 

-----Original Message-----
From: Boneslides@aol.com [mailto:Boneslides@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 18, 2002 4:31 PM
To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: Collagen Stains??


Can anyone recommend a stain that will differentiate different types of 
fibro-cartilage?  I am trying to differentiate the nucleus pulposis from 
annulus fibrosis in spine sections.  My understanding (which is VERY 
limited!!!) is that one is made of Type I collagen and the other is Type II 
collagen.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Diane Mahovlic
Orthopedic Pathology and Biomaterials Laboratory
The Cleveland Clinic Doundation
Cleveland, Ohio