Abstract

An important component of tissue healing and wound contraction is the rearrangement of ground collagen fibers, which can ultimately influence the final quality of scars. Using the experimental model suggested by Bell in 1979 of in vitro contracting collagen gels seeded with human fibroblasts. The analysis of the changing macroscopic gel areas by the observation of the tri-dimensional distribution of collagen fibers can be done employing scanning electrón microscopy (SEM). The progressive macroscopic decrease in the collagen gels areas could be measured throughout the experiments. Scanning electronic microscopy performed at 12 hours disclosed low cellular densities and the random disposition of collagen fibers. After 24 hours. collagen fibers showed some re-arrangement. their orientation possibly determined by nearby fibroblasts. At 36 hours, the improved orientation of fibers resulted in an increase in thickness, and higher cellular density could be noted. At 48 hours maximal fiber thickness and fibroblast densities were observed.