Macromolecular organization of rat sponge-induced granulation tissue as revealed by dichroism

Effect of low-dose electron radiation on rat skin wound healing

“…Wound contraction has been ascribed to fibroblastic activity (8,10). Furthermore, the main components of the extracellular matrix, GAGs and collagen fibers, are synthesized by fibroblasts (7,10,11,13,14). Wound healing can be considered complete when, after reaching maturation, the newly formed collagen reestablishes the integrity of the damaged tissue (11,16).…”

“…Furthermore, the main components of the extracellular matrix, GAGs and collagen fibers, are synthesized by fibroblasts (7,10,11,13,14). Wound healing can be considered complete when, after reaching maturation, the newly formed collagen reestablishes the integrity of the damaged tissue (11,16). Since fibroblasts originate from cells of the surrounding undamaged connective tissue and the irradiated area comprised only an approximately 1-cm-wide zone around the wounds, it would be reasonable to assume that the observed delay in tissue repair can be attributed to direct damages in these cells.…”

“…Vizioli (11) stated that the maturation of collagen fibers only occurs when GAGs and collagen protein combine, and the organization of the granulation tissue is established when the synthesis of GAGs reaches its maximum. Any alteration in the GAGs synthesis will affect the macromolecular organization of the granulation tissue.…”

“…The first stage of the repair process, characterized by inflammatory response and GAGs synthesis in the granulation tissue, begins about 3 days after injury (11)(12)(13). The GAGs synthesis increases progressively as the fibroblasts proliferate and become functional.…”

“…The repair process presents a well-defined pattern, which begins with granulation tissue organization by the 7th day of development (11,12). It should be mentioned that the newly formed tissue will not necessarily have the same characteristics as the tissue it replaces.…”