title: Tissue response to bovine fetal collagen extracellular matrix in full-thickness skin wounds.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present the findings of the biological response and assimilation of bovine fetal collagen (BFC) as observed in biopsy specimens taken after implant.
  
  
  METHODS
  The biopsy specimens were from 9 patients with full-thickness skin wounds who received the BFC biomaterial in the first stage of a 2-stage reconstruction. Biopsy specimens were taken at the second stage of skin grafting from the wound margins.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The response to the BFC included neovascularization and infiltration of the collagen matrix with fibroblasts. The acellular matrix had the tinctural properties of devitalized tissue, which may be mistaken for coagulative necrosis if one is unaware of the biomaterial implant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The characteristics of BFC histology should be recognized by pathologists involved in patients treated for reconstruction and wound care.
authors.affiliation: Ameripath, 1033 N. Flowood Dr, Flowood, MS 39232, USA. jneill@ameripath.com
authors.forename: James S A
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Neill
authors.forename: William C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Lineaweaver
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002417:Cattle; D003094:Collagen; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D017768:Skin, Artificial; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003094:Collagen
keywords: Bovine fetal collagen; Dermal substitute; Dermatopathology; Histology; Wound healing