ASSESSMENT OF THREE POSSIBLE CRITERIA FOR REMODELLING OF COLLAGEN GELS AND COLLAGENOUS TISSUES

摘要

Collagenous tissues are living structures, in which new material may be added and the structural organisation may change over time. The maintenance of the collagen matrix is accomplished by fibre-producing cells, such as fibroblasts. During maintenance, the extracellular matrix (ECM) influences the development, shape, migration, proliferation, survival, and function of the cells. The mobility of the fibroblasts and their ability to contract the ECM are important properties for a proper maintenance of the ECM [1,2].