Bovine collagen implant: histologic chronology in pig dermis.

The histologic fate of an injectable form of type I bovine dermal collagen (Zyderm Collagen Implant, ZCI) in the pig dermis and subcutaneous tissue has been studied. Biopsies were taken sequentially and analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Weigert's stain, by birefringence, by direct immunofluorescence (using a highly specific rabbit anti-Zyderm antibody), and by electron microscopy. The implant material was found to stimulate a host response resulting in implant degradation and replacement by newly generated host collagen.