The special state of the fibril end: site of growth, point of cell surface attachment and possible site for platelet interaction.

The end of the collagen fibril is an important and unique morphological site. Growth of fibrils in vitro and in vivo appears to occur by addition of ordered subassemblies of collagen aggregates at the fibril end. In tissues the fibril end appears closely related to the cell surface in both mesenchymal cells and epithelia. In the latter cell type there is an apparent relationship between the basement membrane and fibril end. Platelets do not aggregate upon exposure to basement membranes or collagens derived therefrom. We suggest that the end of the fibril which is embedded in the outer face of the basement membrane may be involved in interaction with the platelet.