CHITIN INDUCES TYPE-IV COLLAGEN AND ELASTIC FIBER IN IMPLANTED NONWOVEN FABRIC OF POLYESTER

The non-woven fabric of polyester (control) and the composite material of the non-woven fabric of polyester and chitin (Chitipack P) were im planted to bovine flexor tendon. After 3 weeks implantation, type IV c ollagen and elastic fibers were significantly increased and type I col lagen was decreased in Chitipack P in comparison with control. The bre aking strength was about twice as high in Chitipack P than in control. The polykaryocytes in the control were more difficult to digest for t he collagens. Angiogenesis in the implanted non-woven fabric and in th e neighboring resected tendons was much stronger in Chitipack P. Chiti n induced type IV collagen and elastic fibers in the prostheses. Copyr ight (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd