Collagen polymorphism in experimental granulation tissue.

Dermal granulation tissues produced either in response to an acute inflammation by turpentine injection, or to a chronic inflammation by sponge implantation, have been shown to contain a high proportion of Type III collagen in marked contrast to the small amount normally present in mature skin. Although the acute granuloma is rapidly resorbed the synthesis of Type III is maintained in long-term sponge implants. The results demonstrate a reversion to embryonic collagen in proliferating granulation tissue, a fact of considerable importance in understanding wound healing.