[Action of testicular hyaluronidase on macromolecules of the cutaneous extracellular matrix. Study by computerized image analysis].

The aim of this work was to precise the action of testicular hyaluronidase (Thiomucase, Millot Solac, Sanofi, France) on the extracellular matrix macromolecules of the skin in an experimental animal model. Intradermal injection of hyaluronidase in the rabbit acts on proteoglycans which are degraded. Collagen bundles are dissociated. This is due to endoglycosaminidase activity of the hyaluronidase on dermal proteoglycans. The network of the elastic fibers was not altered by the enzyme injections, this suggest the absence of elastolytic activity in the Thiomucase preparations. The dissociation of collagen bundles and the degradation of proteoglycans are followed by the resynthesis of the initially degraded proteoglycans. The observed morphological changes which follow the intradermal injection of hyaluronidase, confirm the ability of this enzyme to influence the composition and the structure of the dermis.