A histological, immunological, and electron microscopic study of bovine collagen implants in the human.

The histological fate of an injectable form of type I bovine dermal collagen (Zyderm collagen implant) in the human dermis and subcutaneous tissue has been studied. Sequential biopsies were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin and Weigert's stains, by immunofluorescence (using a highly specific rabbit anti-Zyderm collagen antibody and a specific anti-human type III collagen antibody), and by electron miscroscopy. The results of this study suggest that the bovine implant material stimulates a host response resulting in implant degradation and replacement by newly generated host collagen.