COLLAGEN IMPLANTS REMAIN SUPPLE NOT ALLOWING FIBROBLAST INGROWTH

Dense, reconstituted collagen membranes, using an optimized cross-link ing protocol, were implanted subcutaneously into rats. After implantat ion, only a mild inflammatory response in the surrounding tissues was observed. The morphology of the fibroblasts around the membranes was s een to go through characteristic stages of proliferation and synthesis . In the 7 week follow-up it was found that these membranes did not al low any fibroblast ingrowth into their substance and remained complete ly intact and supple without signs of calcification, whereas the non-c ross-linked controls proved to be completely degraded. The cross-linke d reconstituted collagen may thus be considered for use in situations where neither incorporation nor dissolution of the biomaterial is desi red.