[Collagen antibodies and their effect on wound healing].

The influence of antibodies to collagen on wound healing was tested by the use of a standard incision wound in rats. The antisera--specific for the terminal determinants of the collagen molecule--were obtained from rabbits immunized with rat--or pig--skin collagen and injected intraperitoneally, i.e. systemically. Generalized immune reactions or signs of incompatibility were not observed. The injection of antisera on the 7th postoperative day led to a significant gain of tensile strength. This effect was achieved by the homologous antiserum (p less than 0.01) as well as by the heterologous antiserum (p less than 0.04). The heterologous antiserum further induced a significant fall of free serum hydroxyproline (p less than 0.005). The application of the heterologous antiserum on the 14th postoperative day caused a significant decrease of tensile strength (p less than 0.006). The results are referred to collagen-specific immune reactions and varying conditions in the wounded area during different phases of wound healing.