Polarization colours of collagen fibres: a sign of collagen production activity in fibrotic processes.
The maturation process of collagen fibres was investigated by the picro-sirius red/polarization light technique in experimental wound healing, in allyl-alcohol induced subacute and chronic liver fibrosis and in human biopsy material. Evidence was obtained that collagen fibres undergo a rapid maturation in fibrotic processes; the intensity of their birefringence increases and, at the same time, their polarization colour changes. Newly formed collagen fibres appear on the 4-6 mum thick sections in green polarization colour. Later, in a more mature stage, they became yellow, orange or red under crossed polaroids. The findings suggest that the simple picro-sirius red/polarizing light technique may be useful to form an opinion about the activity of the fibrotic process.
D000818:Animals; D001706:Biopsy; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism*; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008106:Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental / Q000473:pathology*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D008859:Microscopy, Polarization; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D014945:Wound Healing
D003094:Collagen