Measurement of Isometric Tension During Thermic Contraction as Criterion of the Biological Age of Collagen Fibres

Abstract

An apparatus for estimation of tension of single collagen (tendon) fibers with an isometric transducer is described. Isometric tension measurements on thermic contraction of collagen fibers (tendons from the rat''s tail) were compared with isotonic measurements in animals of different ages. Isometric determination can be carried out on one individual short (1 cm) fiber. Tensile strength increases with age.