Mucopolysaccharide complexes in the fibrous tissue surrounding hydrophilic polymers in subcutaneous implantation

The biocompatibility of three types of hydrophilic poly-(glycol methacrylate) gels--homogeneous, microporous and macroporous--was investigated in an experimental subcutaneous implantation. The occurrence of mucopolysaccharide complexes formed by both hyaluronic acid and chondroitine sulphates was examined in the fibrous tissue which surrounds the implant and penetrates into it in the case of a macroporous polymer. In an early stage of investigation hyaluronic acid prevails, but with proceeding collagenization the chondroitine sulphate part becomes predominant.