Collagen implants remain supple not allowing fibroblast ingrowth.
Dense, reconstituted collagen membranes, using an optimized cross-linking protocol, were implanted subcutaneously into rats. After implantation, only a mild inflammatory response in the surrounding tissues was observed. The morphology of the fibroblasts around the membranes was seen to go through characteristic stages of proliferation and synthesis. In the 7 week follow-up it was found that these membranes did not allow any fibroblast ingrowth into their substance and remained completely intact and supple without signs of calcification, whereas the non-cross-linked controls proved to be completely degraded. The cross-linked reconstituted collagen may thus be considered for use in situations where neither incorporation nor dissolution of the biomaterial is desired.
Leiden Cytology and Pathology Laboratory, The Netherlands.
M E
ME
Boon
J M
JM
Ruijgrok
M J
MJ
Vardaxis
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000166:cytology; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D003094:Collagen; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D003094:Collagen