Collagen remodelling by fibroblasts in wound repair. Preliminary observations

A suspended layer additive manufacturing approach to the bioprinting of tri-layered skin equivalents

Skin exhibits a complex structure consisting of three predominant layers (epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis). Extensive trauma may result in the loss of these structures and poor repair, in the longer term, forming scarred tissue and associated reduction in function. Although a number of skin replacements exist, there have been no solutions that recapitulate the chemical, mechanical, and biological roles that exist within native skin. This study reports the use of suspended layer additive manufacturing to produce a continuous tri-layered implant, which closely resembles human skin. Through careful control of the bioink composition, gradients (chemical and cellular) were formed throughout the printed construct. Culture of the model demonstrated that over 21 days, the cellular components played a key role in remodeling the supporting matrix into architectures comparable with those of healthy skin. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that even at seven days post-implantation, the integration of the implant had occurred, with mobilization of the adipose tissue from the surrounding tissue into the construct itself. As such, it is believed that these implants can facilitate healing, commencing from the fascia, up toward the skin surface—a mechanism recently shown to be key within deep wounds.

Tendon Extracellular Matrix Assembly, Maintenance and Dysregulation Throughout Life

In his Lissner Award medal lecture in 2000, Stephen Cowin asked the question: "How is a tissue built?" It is not a new question, but it remains as relevant today as it did when it was asked 20 years ago. In fact, research on the organization and development of tissue structure has been a primary focus of tendon and ligament research for over two centuries. The tendon extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical to overall tissue function; it gives the tissue its unique mechanical properties, exhibiting complex non-linear responses, viscoelasticity and flow mechanisms, excellent energy storage and fatigue resistance. This matrix also creates a unique microenvironment for resident cells, allowing cells to maintain their phenotype and translate mechanical and chemical signals into biological responses. Importantly, this architecture is constantly remodeled by local cell populations in response to changing biochemical (systemic and local disease or injury) and mechanical (exercise, disuse, and overuse) stimuli. Here, we review the current understanding of matrix remodeling throughout life, focusing on formation and assembly during the postnatal period, maintenance and homeostasis during adulthood, and changes to homeostasis in natural aging. We also discuss advances in model systems and novel tools for studying collagen and non-collagenous matrix remodeling throughout life, and finally conclude by identifying key questions that have yet to be answered.

Imaging Cell-Matrix Interactions in 3D Collagen Hydrogel Culture Systems

3D hydrogels better replicate in vivo conditions, and yield different results from 2D substrates. However, imaging interactions between cells and the hydrogel microenvironment is challenging because of light diffraction and poor focal depth. Here, cryosectioning and vibrating microtomy methods and fixation protocols are compared. Collagen I/III hydrogel sections (20-100 µm) are fixed with paraformaldehyde (2%-4%) and structurally evaluated. Cryosectioning damaged hydrogels, and vibrating microtomy (100 µm, 2%) yielded the best preservation of microstructure and cell integrity. These results demonstrate a potential processing method that preserves hydrogel and cell integrity, permitting imaging of cell interactions with the microenvironment.

Cytokines modulate routes of collagen breakdown. Review with special emphasis on mechanisms of collagen degradation in the periodontium and the burst hypothesis of periodontal disease progression

In this paper, we review recent work on collagen degradation, 2 main routes of breakdown are described and their relevance during healthy and inflammatory conditions of the periodontium is discussed. Special attention is paid to the possible role of cytokines, in particular interleukin 1 (IL-1) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), on the modulation of collagen phagocytosis and metalloproteinase production. IL-1 has been shown to have a dual function in collagen digestion. It inhibits the intracellular phagocytic pathway, but at the same time, it strongly promotes extracellular digestion by inducing the release of collagenolytic enzymes like collagenase. TGF-beta has an opposite effect on both pathways and antagonizes IL-1. Collagenase is released in an inactive form, and a considerable fraction of the proenzyme may become incorporated in the extracellular matrix. This reservoir of latent enzyme can be activated (for instance by plasmin), leading to a sudden and extensive breakdown of the collagenous fibre meshwork. It is suggested that this phenomenon may also take place during progressive periodontitis and could explain an episodic nature of collagenolysis, clinically resulting in bursts of attachment loss (burst hypothesis).

Phagocytosis and intracellular digestion of collagen, its role in turnover and remodelling

Collagens of most connective tissues are subject to continuous remodelling and turnover, a phenomenon which occurs under both physiological and pathological conditions. Degradation of these proteins involves participation of a variety of proteolytic enzymes including members of the following proteinase classes: matrix metalloproteinases (e.g. collagenase, gelatinase and stromelysin), cysteine proteinases (e.g. cathepsin B and L) and serine proteinases (e.g. plasmin and plasminogen activator). Convincing evidence is available indicating a pivotal role for matrix metalloproteinases, in particular collagenase, in the degradation of collagen under conditions of rapid remodelling, e.g. inflammation and involution of the uterus. Under steady state conditions, such as during turnover of soft connective tissues, involvement of collagenase has yet to be demonstrated. Under these circumstances collagen degradation is likely to take place particularly within the lysosomal apparatus after phagocytosis of the fibrils. We propose that this process involves the following steps: (i) recognition of the fibril by membrane-bound receptors (integrins?), (ii) segregation of the fibril, (iii) partial digestion of the fibril and/or its surrounding non-collagenous proteins by matrix metalloproteinases (possibly gelatinase), and finally (iv) lysosomal digestion by cysteine proteinases, such as cathepsin B and/or L. Modulation of this pathway is carried out under the influence of growth factors and cytokines, including transforming growth factor beta and interleukin 1 alpha.

Cytokines modulate phagocytosis and intracellular digestion of collagen fibrils by fibroblasts in rabbit periosteal explants. Inverse effects on procollagenase production and collagen phagocytosis

Degradation of fibrillar collagen may occur in the extracellular space by enzymes, such as the metalloproteinase collagenase, or in the lysosomal apparatus of fibroblasts following phagocytosis. As the mechanisms involved in the regulation of the latter process are unknown, we investigated possible modulating effects of the cytokines epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) on both collagen phagocytosis and the release of collagenase in an in vitro model employing periosteal tissue explants. The data demonstrated that the level of intracellular collagen digestion could be influenced by cytokines: IL-1 alpha inhibited and TGF-beta enhanced phagocytosis of fibrillar collagen by periosteal fibroblasts, whereas the cytokines had an opposite effect on the release of procollagenase. In combination, IL-1 alpha and TGF-beta proved to have an antagonizing effect on either parameter. PDGF and EGF had no effect on phagocytosis or collagenase release. The level of phagocytosed collagen correlated positively with the actual breakdown of collagen as assessed by the release of hydroxyproline but negatively with the level of released procollagenase. Our findings demonstrated that cytokines are able to modulate both the phagocytosis of collagen fibrils by fibroblasts and their subsequent intracellular breakdown, as well as the release of procollagenase, an enzyme considered crucial for extracellular collagenolysis. Moreover, our data show a negative correlation between these two parameters. It is concluded that IL-1 alpha, EGF and TGF-beta may be important in modulating the contribution of the intracellular and extracellular route of collagen breakdown.

Morphological and morphometrical analysis of schistosomal granuloma degradation

In vivo degradation of the extracellular matrix of Schistosoma mansoni granulomas was morphologically studied by light and electron microscopy using 60 day-infected hepatic isolated and acellular granulomas (aPMC) which had been implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of syngenic albino mice and examined 4, 15, 20, 30 and 40 days after implantation. The progressive changes of aPMCs were estimated by measurements of aPMCs surface (micron2) on paraffin sections. After implantation, polymorphonuclear leukocytes were the initial population recruited whereas macrophages and fibroblasts were prominent in the late stages. Eosinophil leukocytes and in a lesser extent, mast cells increased in number. In electron microscopy, progressive disappearance of extracellular matrix and some modified collagen fibrils either in extracellular or intracellular localization represented matricial changes. The morphometrical analysis of aPMCs of the surface (micron2) after implantation showed a significant reduction of aPMCs (p < 0.001) in all stages after implantation. Polymorphonuclear cells, macrophages and fibroblasts seemed to be the major responsible cells involved in aPMCs resorption.

Morphological aspects of early and late collagen degradation in granulation tissue

A sequential histologic, ultrastructural and immuno pathologic study was carried out in the Selye's inflammatory pouch model to observe extracellular matrix and cellular changes during granulation tissue formation. Besides changes involving different components of the connective tissue, it was observed that collagen resorption occurred under a biphasic process. At an early phase (3rd to 15th day), in which exudative inflammatory changes predominated, signs of collagen synthesis and degradation were seen simultaneously. Extracellular breakdown and internalization of collagen fragments within fibroblasts and myofibroblasts were observed. Later on (30th to 60th day), changes affecting collagen had a different ultrastructural appearance. Collagen fragmentation, focal "lytic" and "electron dense" changes occurred in the extracellular space specially at the periphery of fibroblasts, myofibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. Collagen degradation, thus seems to be a continuous process in granulation tissue, occurring with different morphologies at different times.

Enhanced collagen phagocytosis by rat molar periodontal fibroblasts after topical application of lipopolysaccharide--ultrastructural observations and morphometric analysis

To investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on phagocytic activity of collagen fibrils by periodontal fibroblasts, we studied rat molar gingival connective tissue and periodontal ligament under light and electron microscopy after topical application of LPS (5 mg/ml in physiological salt solution (PS)) on the gingival sulcus. Phagocytic activity of collagen fibrils by fibroblasts was evaluated by counting the number of collagen-containing vacuoles inside fibroblasts that were present within a defined area (1200 microns2). Values obtained from fibroblasts in the subepithelial connective tissue, the region near the alveolar crest, and the middle region of periodontal tissue were compared. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts showed increased phagocytosis of the collagen fibrils from 3 hours to 1 day after topical LPS application, but no differences were observed in the gingival tissue. The intracytoplasmic vacuoles containing collagen fibrils were of various sizes and shapes, showing positive for acid phosphatase and/or alkaline phosphatase reaction. Collagen phagocytic activity of the fibroblasts in the middle region of the periodontal ligament also increased after PS treatment. However, this was significantly less than that observed in LPS-treated animals (p less than 0.01). This study indicates that LPS may enhance the degradation of collagen by stimulating the phagocytic activity of the periodontal ligament fibroblasts.

Phagocytosis of collagen by mouse decidual cells

Collagen fibrils were present within membrane-bound vacuoles in the cytoplasm of mouse decidual cells on the 7th day of pregnancy. The space between the vacuole membranes and the fibrils was narrow and frequently filled with a granular electron-dense material. The loss of banding of the collagen fibrils, their association with lysosomelike bodies, and the demonstration of acid phosphatase activity in the vacuoles indicate that the fibrils were internalized by the decidual cells and were being digested. It is suggested that phagocytosis of collagen is a mechanism of remodeling of the mouse decidua.

Collagen remodeling in wound healing by gingival fibroblasts in vitro

Collagen degradation by fibroblasts was studied in the absence of other cell types to improve our understanding of the mechanisms by which fibroblasts digest collagen. Human gingival fibroblasts were cultured in α -MEM medium for eight weeks. Incisional wounds were made in the fibroblast cultures, and the cells were fixed by different procedures at two days post-wounding. Collagen remodeling has been investigated by tracer experiments and by cytochemical demonstration of acid and alkaline phosphatase activity at the ultrastructural level and stereological analysis in experimental wound-healing in vitro.

The results showed that fibroblasts in the wounded zone exhibited high collagen phagocytic activity, and indicate that fibroblasts have a fundamental role to play in collagen remodeling in wound repair in vitro. This in vitro experimental system is also suggested as a useful model for the analysis of collagen remodeling in wound-healing by fibroblasts.

Collagen degradation in the rabbit skin during short-term tissue culture

Full thickness rabbit skin explants were cultured on plastic dish for 1 week and the sequential morphological changes were examined daily by light and electron microscopy. During the cultured period, bundles of dermal collagen fibres gradually loosened and were removed from the upper dermis and from the cut margin of the explant, which was covered by a sheet of migrating epidermal cells. In these areas, cells containing phagocytosed collagen fibrils were observed from the 3rd day to the end of the culture period. These cells containing phagocytosed collagen fibrils included dermal fibroblasts and macrophages, epidermal keratinocytes and endothelial cells lining blood vessels. The presence of acid phosphatase activity in vacuoles containing the collagen fibrils suggested that intracellular degradation of collagen was occurring. In addition, extracellular collagen degradation was recognized around fibroblasts and beneath the migrating epidermis by the high collagenolytic activity at these sites. These findings suggest that both intra- and extracellular collagen degradation may participate in collagen removal from dermal connective tissue in cultured skin explants.

Fibroblasts in dermal tissue repair. Electron microscopic and immunohistochemical study

The cellular dynamics of dermal regeneration were studied in nonsutured cutaneous wounds of female pigs and monkeys with electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry to demonstrate the origin and the development of fibroblasts forming granulation tissue. The results indicate that fibroblasts do not originate from histiocytes but from resting fibroblasts in the wound margins. These resting fibroblasts first become undifferentiated mesenchymal cells termed "X" cells. The "X" cells then multiply, migrate, and invade the wound defect in approximately 3 days, transforming into highly active fibroblasts. The active fibroblasts are endowed with the capacity of further transformation to fibroclasts and myofibroblasts. The latter two cell populations then effectively cause remodeling of newly formed tissue and contraction of wound margins.

Collagen remodelling in rat periodontal tissues: compensation for precursor reutilization confirms rapid turnover of collagen

Measurement of collagen turnover is complicated by the reutilization of isotopic precursors used to label the collagen. In an earlier study a novel approach was used to circumvent the problems of precursor recycling and unusually short half-lives were determined for collagen in adult rat periodontal tissues (Sodek, 1977). To verify these results we have used an alternate procedure devised by Poole (1971) in which the decay profile for the radiolabelled protein is corrected in accordance with the decay of the radiolabelled precursor. In this manner real half-lives for mature, neutral salt-insoluble collagen were determined as 3 days in the molar periodontal ligament, 6 days in the continuously erupting incisor ligament and approximately 10 days in the lamina propria of the gingiva, compared to apparent half-lives for these tissues of 6, 12 and approximately 20 days, respectively. The values calculated for actual half-lives are, therefore, approximately two-fold faster than values determined without compensating for reutilization, a difference that is in agreement with other protein turnover studies in which the effects of precursor reutilization have been measured. Although the real half-lives determined in this study indicate turnover rates for the periodontal tissues that are slightly slower than reported previously, the relative differences between the tissues in the rates of collagen turnover are similar. Moreover, the study confirms the existence of a remarkably high rate of collagen remodelling in these tissues.

The effect of tension on collagen remodelling by fibroblasts: a stereological ultrastructural study

Peak levels of collagen phagocytic activity by fibroblasts during scar maturation have been shown to coincide with a reorientation of major fibre bundles in a process analogous to Wolff's Law. This activity has been shown to increase when greater tension exists across the scar. In this study, the influences of reduced tension on collagen remodeling was studied. In two groups of five rats the right achilles tendon was either: transected at its muscle insertion or was exposed in a similar fashion but left intact. The tendon samples were retrieved five days following initial surgery with a third group of five rats serving as a source of control tendon. Relative volume of collagen phagocytosis was measured at an ultrastructural level using stereological methods. No significant influence of reduced tension on collagen phagocytosis was observed. The average relative volume of fibroblast cytoplasm was significantly increased in the transected tendon. This may represent an inductive influence of as yet undetermined nature.

Connective tissue as an integral system: role of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions

We have applied the systems approach, to the analysis of mechanisms whereby connective tissue (CT) is integrated into one functional system. The primary CT functions in health and in disease (biomechanical, trophic, protective, reparative, and morphogenetic) are carried out by means of cell-cell, cell-matrix and intertissue interactions based on feedback between these components. Both CT as a whole and its cellular and extracellular elements exhibit structural and functional heterogeneity which increases the capacity of CT for adaptation. The intercellular interactions take place via soluble and insoluble mediators, direct cellular contacts, and cell/matrix degradation products. Results of this study support the concept of internal "network" regulation of the CT composition, functions and growth through intercellular interactions at different structural levels. Feedback mechanisms between degradation and production of collagen and interactions between collagen, macrophages and fibroblasts play a special role in the self-regulation of reparative CT growth. Collagen restores an impaired self-regulation and exerts a marked therapeutic effect on wounds, burns, trophic ulcers, and other lesions. A similar function may be performed by other matrix components and degradation/secretion products of macrophages and fibroblasts.

Comparison of the effect of two and six week exposure to 80% and 100% oxygen on the lung of the newborn mouse: a quantitative SEM and TEM correlative study

Prolonged inhalation of 80% oxygen, in contrast to 100% oxygen, has generally been assumed not to lead to significant pulmonary impairment. Two and six week old C57BL mice were systematically assessed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy for structural changes in the lung caused by inhalation of 80% and 100% oxygen from the first day of life, and the injury was quantitated morphometrically. Six weeks of continuous inhalation of 80% oxygen resulted in diffuse fibrosis of the gas exchanging parts of the lung superimposed on which were, in the 100% oxygen exposed mice, foci of coarse scarring. Lowering the inspired oxygen concentration from 100% to 80% appeared to reduce the mucosal injury more than the interstitial fibrotic response. This suggests that the most persistent alteration caused by chronic supplemental oxygen exposure below 80% will be interstitial fibrosis.

Fibronectin-mediated binding and phagocytosis of polystyrene latex beads by baby hamster kidney cells

The binding and phagocytosis of fibronectin (pFN)-coated latex beads by baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells was studied as a function of fibronectin concentration and bead diameter. Cells were incubated with radioactive pFN-coated beads, and total bead binding (cell surface or ingested) was measured as total radioactivity associated with the cells. Of the bound beads, those that also were phagocytosed were distinguished by their insensitivity to release from the cells by trypsin treatment. In continuous incubations, binding of pFN-coated beads to cells occurred at 4 degrees C or 37 degrees C, but phagocytosis was observed only at 37 degrees C. In addition, degradation of 3H-pFN from ingested beads occurred at 37 degrees C, as shown by the release of trichloroacetic acid-soluble radioactivity into the incubation medium. When the fibronectin density on the beads was varied, binding at 4 degrees C and ingestion at 37 degrees C were found to have the same dose-response dependencies, which indicated that pFN densities that permitted bead binding were sufficient for phagocytosis to occur. The fibronectin density for maximal binding of ingestion was approximately 250 ng pFN/cm2. When various sized beads (0.085-1.091 micron), coated with similar densities of pFN, were incubated with cells at 4 degrees C, no variation in binding as a function of bead size was observed. Under these conditions, the absolute amount of pFN ranged from less than 100 molecules on the 0.085-micron beads to greater than 15,000 molecules on the 1.091-micron beads. Based upon these results it can be concluded that the critical parameter controlling fibronectin-mediated binding of latex beads by BHK cells is the spacing of the pFN molecules on the beads. Correspondingly, it can be suggested that the spacing between pFN receptors on the cell surface that is optimal for multivalent interactions to occur is approximately 18 nM. When phagocytosis of various sized beads was compared, it was found that the largest beads were phagocytosed slightly better (two fold) than the smallest beads. This occurred both in continuous incubations of cells with beads and when the beads were prebound to the cells. Finally, the kinetic constants for the binding of 0.085 microM pFN-coated beads to the cells were analyzed. There appeared to be approximately 62,000 binding sites and the KD was 4.03 X 10(-9) M. Assuming a bivalent interaction, it was calculated that BHK cells have approximately 120,000 pFN receptors/cell and the binding affinity between pFN and its receptor is approximately 6 X 10(-5) M.

The collagen fibrils in the collapsed and the chronically stretched intestinal wall

A partial and progressive obstruction of the ileum (stenosis) was produced by surgery in adult rats and guinea pigs. Oral to the stenosis the accumulation of ingesta imposed a condition of chronic stretch on the intestinal wall: the lumen was much distended and the wall increased in thickness, mainly by hypertrophy of the mucosa and muscle coat. The submucosa too increased in volume and its collagen fibrils showed marked ultrastructural changes: in the rat the collagen fibrils (which were of rather uniform diameter in the control submucosa, mean 87 nm) varied greatly in size and formed two distinct populations: large fibrils (similar to those of controls) and small fibrils (4-5 nm in diameter). The latter were probably newly formed fibrils and their number increased in the more advanced stages of hypertrophy. The small fibrils were usually gathered into groups of 15-60 but were found throughout the entire thickness of the collagen bundles. Aboral to the stenosis the intestine was collapsed. In the submucosa there was a widening of the range of fibril sizes, a small increase in the average size and the occurrence of very large and irregular fibrils. Similar changes occurred in the guinea pig; however, the size of the control collagen fibrils (57 nm) was smaller than in the rat, and in the condition of chronic stretch small and large fibrils could not be clearly separated into distinct populations.

A role for collagen phagocytosis by fibroblasts in scar remodeling: an ultrastructural stereologic study

A role for collagen phagocytosis and intracellular degradation by fibroblasts during remodeling activity has been suggested by studies on several connective tissues characterized by high rates of collagen turnover and remodeling. The possible importance of such activity in the normal remodeling of scar tissue has been studied by a quantitative ultrastructural stereologic measure of collagen phagocytosis by fibroblasts at various post-wounding intervals in mouse skin scars. The results demonstrate a correlation between the peak periods of such phagocytic activity and the interval during which collagen fiber reorientation across the scar appears to take place.

Involvement of smooth muscle cells in collagen degradation in the postpartum uterus

Ultrastructural study of gravid and postpartum involuting human uteri revealed a number of cells containing collagen fibrils in their cytoplasm. In gravid uteri these cells could be identified as macrophages and fibroblasts; in the postpartum uteri smooth muscle cells (SMC) were also found, containing cytoplasmic collagenous vacuoles. The morphology of intracellular collagen in SMC was similar to that observed in macrophages: fragments of banded collagen fibrils with a diameter corresponding to that of extracellular collagen were located within structures considered to be phagosomes. Limiting membranes were always smooth, most often in apposition to the fibrils that were single or packed in small groups; some cytoplasmic vacuoles contained banded elongated profiles barely discernable as collagen. The collagen fibrils within SMC of the involuting human uterus are regarded as a morphological manifestation of heterogenic enclosure of collagen fibrils and their intracellular degradation. It seems that in the postpartum uterus, where a substantial amount of collagen needs to be removed rapidly, both macrophages and SMC are involved in the process of collagen phagocytosis and degradation. These data suggest that SMC may be involved in the cellular mechanism for collagen breakdown in remodelling SMC-containing tissues like the uterus and the vascular wall.

A stereologic analysis of collagen phagocytosis by fibroblasts in three soft connective tissues with differing rates of collagen turnover

The purpose of this study was to assess the importance of the phagocytic mechanism of collagen resorption in the normal turnover and remodelling of soft connective tissues. Collagen phagocytosis by fibroblasts in rat skin, attached gingiva, and periodontal ligament was quantitated using the methodology of electron microscopic stereology. Periodontal ligament contained five and 15 times as much phagocytosed collagen as attached gingiva and skin respectively. Also, for each tissue examined, a positive correlation was observed between the amount of collagen phagocytosed and the known rate of mature collagen turnover.

Intracellular collagen in recurrent ameloblastic fibroma

Electron microscopic examination of tissue from a twice recurrent ameloblastic fibroma revealed the presence of intracellular collagen fibres in fibroblasts active in protein synthesis. The intracellular fibres were morphologically identical to collagen fibres located extracellularly. The literature on intracellular collagen in biological systems and pathological states has been reviewed, and attention is focussed on collagen phagocytosis and degradation by fibroblasts which are currently considered to represent the basis of connective tissue remodelling and turnover.

The possible role of the fibroblast in granuloma-induced bone resorption in the rat

Granulomas were produced over the calvaria of rats by injection of a mixture of turpentine and peanut oil. The granulomas induced localised areas of bone resorption and these resorptive lesions were examined at the fine structural level. A close association was found between osteoclasts and fibroblasts at resorbing surfaces. Furthermore, fibroblasts but not osteoclasts were observed to engulf and phagocytose bone collagen fibrils. It is suggested that the fibroblast either alone or in collaboration with the osteoclast is involved in the destruction of bone collagen during chronic inflammatory disorder of bone.

Mechanism of osteoclastic bone resorption: a new hypothesis

Osteoclastic bone resorption involves the solubilization of the mineral salts and the degradation of noncollagen bone matrix and collagen fibrils. As no recognizable collagen fibrils have ever been reported within cytoplasmic vacuoles in osteoclasts, it is generally assumed that the collagen fibrils are digested extracellularly in the resorption zone. The extent to which lysis occurs extracellularly and whether or not the osteoclasts phagocytose the degradation products remain to be established. In the present communication, a hypothesis is presented suggesting the possibility that osteoclastic resorption of bone involves the participation of two different cell types. According to this hypothesis, osteoclastic bone resorption is initiated by osteoclasts that demineralize areas of bone and degrade noncollagen bone matrix. After the osteoclasts have moved away or become partially detached from the demineralized site, the exposed collagen fibrils are phagocytosed by mononuclear, fibroblast-like or monocyte-derived cells.

The site of collagen resorption in the periodontal ligament of the rodent molar

In an attempt to determine the pattern of collagen phagocytosis by fibroblasts in the periodontal ligament, a stereologic investigation of the mesial root of the maxillary first molar of the rat was undertaken. The distribution of fibroblasts containing intracellular collagen fibrils was studied at the electron microscope level in the periodontal ligament along resorbing and non-resorbing surfaces of the alveolar wall. It appeared that fibroblasts with collagen-containing vacuoles were more or less randomly distributed across the width of the periodontal ligament. No major differences were observed among the alveolar, cemental and intermediate zones of the ligament. However, local variations in the occurrence of cells containing intracellular collagen fibrils may occur. A relatively high concentration of ingested collagen fibrils was seen in fibroblasts located in the direct vicinity of osteoclasts, but not in the vicinity of osteoblasts. These observations suggest that remodelling of collagen is evenly distributed throughout the ligament, but may be influenced by local circumstances, such as the occurrence of bone resorption.

Ultrastructure of perineurial cells during peripheral nerve regeneration. Electron microscopical investigations on the so-called amputation neuroma

The ultrastructural morphology of perineurial cells was examined after transsection of the sciatic nerve of rats. The material prepared for investigation was taken from the proximal nerve stump and the so-called amputation neuroma at different times after operation. We found that perineurial cells begin to activate in the first week, and in the further course of regeneration they modulate their cytoplasmic structure corresponding to the function of proliferation or synthesis. Besides the reconstitution of a diffusion barrier the perineurial cells may exert a stabilizing function in regenerating nerve tissue comparable to myofibroblasts in granulation tissue, and may be engaged in remodeling of connective tissue fibers. The relations of perineurial cells to other cells of peripheral nerves under the condition of regeneration are discussed.

Phagocytosis of collagen by human gingival fibroblasts in vitro

Human gingival fibroblasts cultivated on collagen-coated cover slips had collagen fibrils in deep folds of the cell membranes after one hour and fully interiorized fibrils by 24 hours. In 5-day sections, fibrils were within dense bodies, some containing multiple dense granules (40 to 50 nm) aligned along the surface of the interiorized collagen fibrils.

Intracellular collagen in the nonpregnant and IUD-containing rat uterus

An experiment designed to study the effects of the copper IUD on the virgin rat uterus has revealed the presence of intracellular collagen fibrils in control uteri and in uteri that have contained a copper IUD for three months. The cells containing the collagen are found in the stroma in close proximity to the uterine epithelium. The collagen is found within membrane-bound cytoplasmic vacuoles that vary in morphology. In some cases the fibrils are tightly packed and linear, with no other material evident in the vacuole. In other examples, the fibrils are randomly arranged and the vacuoles contain a punctuate material which is characteristic of phagolysosomes. Finally, cytoplasmic vacuoles are seen which contain ill-defined debris and poorly-visualized structures that exhibit a periodicity, suggesting a terminal phase of fibril breakdown. All animals were sacrificed in metestrus, and the results indicate that intracellular collagen is present in the nulliparous rat uterus at this stage of the cycle. In addition, this phenomenon does not appear to be influenced by the presence of a copper IUD over a period of three months.

The role of fibroblasts in the remodeling of periodontal ligament during physiologic tooth movement

Our findings indicate a cellular basis for the connective tissue remodeling which takes place during physiologic tooth movement. This cell is the fibroblast which is capable of synthesizing and degrading collagen simultaneously and, utilizing this ability, the orderly control of collagen remodeling within the periodontal ligament is possible. It is suggested that this cellular basis of connective remodeling will have a direct significance for orthodontic tooth movement once control mechanisms have been established.

Cellular mechanisms involved in cyclic stromal renewal of the uterus. II. The albino rat

During the first four days postpartum, heterophils (polymorphonuclear leucocytes) and macrophages occur in the intercellular compartement of the luminal epithelium of the uterine endometrium. Cytochemical and ultrastructural evidence indicates that transepithelial emigration of these stromal cells to the uterine cavity is occurring. This event takes place while the luminal epithelium is proliferating in response to the estrogenic stimulus of the postpartum estrus. Heterophil emigration precedes that of the macrophages and is most conspicuous during days 1 and 2. Although it has been established that collagen fibrils occur in uterine phagocytes (Schwarz and Güldner, '67) assumed to be macrographes (Parakkal, '69, '72), their precise role in collagen degradation remains undefined. It seems likely that the emigrating macrophages, heavily laden with phagolysosomal derivatives and lipid droplets, are hauling the remnants of the intercellular substance out of the endometrium during days 2-4 postpartum. Ultrastructural evidence indicates that the emigrating macrophage punctures the basal lamina and passes through the intercellular compartment of the luminal epithelium by active penetration. Another mode of macrophagic egress operates in the deep stroma of the endometrium and myometrium where lymphatic drainage occurs. Macrophages accumulate in the perilymphatic stroma as well as within lymphatic vessels. Thus macrophagic emigration through the luminal epithelium and lymphatic vessels may provide a cellular mechanism for elimination of the intercellular stromal substance in the regressing uterus. Transepithelial emigration is a mechanism which operates also in the marsupial uterus (Padykula and Taylor, '76), and thus may be a fundamental mechanism among subprimate mammals that fulfills in part the function that menstruation effects in primates.

Ultrastructure of keloid: an unusual incident involving lepromatous leprosy

A patient with lepromatous leprosy developed keloids on the dorsum of both arms in response to ulcerations due to acute erythema nodosum leprosum reactions. Electron microscopic examination of the keloidal dermis showed a morphology indicative of increased production of normal collagen fibrils. The greatest cellular changes from normal were in fibroblasts which were enlarged due to increased amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum and extensive Golgi complexes. Nuclear folds were also evident in these fibroblasts. Some cells, considered to be fibroblasts, were filled with cytoplasmic filaments and contained bizarre shaped nuclei. Mast cells, blood vessels and nerve processes were also present.