title: The behaviour of BHK cells and neutrophil leukocytes on collagen gels of defined mechanical strength.
abstract: This study demonstrates how the mechanical strength of a series of collagen/composite gels can be measured using a penetrometer. It was found that the presence of fibrin in collagen gels resulted in increased gel strength. Similarly hyaluronic acid was found to increase the strength of collagen gels. Addition of heparin weakened collagen gels as did chondroitin-6-sulphate. Neutrophil migration into collagen gels was found to be inversely proportional to gel strength. Fibrin and hyaluronic acid containing gels inhibited neutrophil migration while the presence of heparin and chondroitin sulphate increased neutrophil migration. BHK gel contraction experiments demonstrated how the presence of fibrin prevents gel contraction. Despite increasing gel strength the presence of hyaluronic acid appeared to have no effect on BHK contraction of collagen gels. Similarly the presence of heparin or chondroitin sulphate had no effect on gel contraction by BHK cells.
authors: Department of Cell Biology, Glasgow University.
authors: G G
authors: GG
authors: Reid
authors: J M
authors: JM
authors: Lackie
authors: S D
authors: SD
authors: Gorham
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D002465:Cell Movement; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates; D003094:Collagen; D006224:Cricetinae; D005337:Fibrin; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology*; D005782:Gels; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D007668:Kidney; D008647:Mesocricetus; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000166:cytology*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
chemical_list: D005782:Gels; D005337:Fibrin; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates; D003094:Collagen