Connective tissue formation in subcutaneous cellulose sponge implants in the rat - The effect of the size and cellulose content of the implant

Granulation tissue formation was studied in viscose cellulose sponges with different cellulose contents and sizes after subcutaneous implantation in r ats. Samples were removed and studied histologically and histomorphometrica lly 1-16 weeks after implantation. The implants with lower cellulose conten t and smaller size were invaded by more cells and filled with connective ti ssue more rapidly than those with the higher content and larger size. In la rger sponge implants the beneficial effect of the lower cellulose content w as more conspicuous.