Extracellular matrix interactions during the in vivo degradation of collagen membranes in the rat skin: immunohistochemical distribution of collagen types IV, V, and VI.

The role of collagen implant material (CIM) in periodontology is of considerable interest to the clinical dentist because of the capacity of connective tissue (CT) regeneration and partial prevention of epithelial cell migration onto the root surface. The aim of this study was to demonstrate alterations of the CT matrix after the use of CIM in subcutaneous pockets in the rat skin. We used 15 rats in this study. After sedation, two subcutaneous pockets (2 cm in length) were surgically made in the animals' backs. Collagen membranes were implanted in one of the two pockets (test site). The other pocket served as control. Then, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after implantation, the animals were sacrificed and biopsies preserved for histologic and immunohistochemical examination. Incubation with antibodies against CT matrix components (collagen type IV, V, and VI) were used for immunostaining. Histologically, the CIM was migrated by inflammatory cells in the first 7 days. Newly formed fibroblasts and blood vessels (BV) were present 14 days postimplantation. Collagen type IV was localized in the basement membranes of the epithelium, BV, and nerves. An increase in the BV amount was demonstrated around (and later in) the implant material. Collagen type V was found in a filament pattern of distribution and was inserted into the implant after 4 weeks of healing. Collagen type VI showed a microfibrillar pattern of distribution with a delayed formation in the graft mass. The data showed the alterations of the matrix after implantation of collagen type I membranes in the rat skin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)