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Tissue integration of collagen‐based matrices: an experimental study in mice
Author(s) -
Thoma Daniel S.,
Villar Cristina C.,
Cochran David L.,
Hämmerle Christoph H. F.,
Jung Ronald E.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
clinical oral implants research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.407
H-Index - 161
eISSN - 1600-0501
pISSN - 0905-7161
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2011.02356.x
Subject(s) - connective tissue , matrix (chemical analysis) , chemistry , extracellular matrix , anatomy , biomedical engineering , pathology , biology , medicine , biochemistry , chromatography
Objectives To test whether or not tissue integration, biodegradation, and new blood vessel formation in two collagen‐based matrices depend on the level of chemical cross‐linking. Material and methods Two collagen matrices with high ( CM 1) and low ( CM 2) levels of chemical cross‐linking were randomly implanted in two pouches in 14 athymic nude mice. Three and 6 weeks later, the animals were euthanized. Histologic and histomorphometric measurements were performed on paraffin‐embedded sections. Results Both collagen matrices integrated well into the surrounding soft tissues. The level of cross‐linking and duration of implantation had an effect on the formation of new blood vessels. More blood vessels ( n = in absolute numbers) were found in outer compartments compared to the central compartments of the matrices, reaching 5.6 ( CM 2) vs. 4.3 ( CM 1) at 3 weeks, and 5.3 ( CM 2) vs. 7.3 ( CM 1) at 6 weeks. Similarly, connective tissue formation increased for both matrices between 3 and 6 weeks, whereas the amount of remaining collagen network gradually decreased over time being more pronounced for CM 1 (−50%) compared to CM 2 (−15%). Conclusions The degree of cross‐linking was negatively correlated for all outcome measures resulting in improved tissue integration, superior matrix stability and enhanced angiogenic patterns for the less cross‐linked collagen matrix ( CM 2) in this experimental study in mice.