[Collagen synthesis, studied by sub microscopic methods in beta-propiolactone and in tendon homografts, preserved by gamma irradiation]

In dog experiments homologous tendos conserved in beta-propiolacton and by means of gamma-radiation have been transplanted by the authors. After the 1st, 3rd and 8th post-operative week various regions of the graft and the recipient tendon stump have been examined by means of light--, polarisation microscopic and electron microscopic method. The examinations have unanimously shown that the tendon grafts conserved in beta-propiolacton are reorganized quickly, within 8 weeks nearly completely besides hardly visible inflammatory reaction. In the meantime, the originally collagen fibrous framework is decomposed and on it a new collagen fibrous structure develops, and thus a new tendon--capable to function--is formed. On the other hand, the reorganization of the grafts conserved with gamma-radiation is protracted or it fails to occur, and cicatrization is observed. Some problems of the modern tissue preservation, the collagen synthesis occurring in the active fibroblasts, the secretion of the collagen precursory substance into the extracellulary space, as well as the formation, the structure and the constitution of the newly synthesized collagen fibres--forming the transplant--are discussed by the authors. The obtained results are demonstrated in light-, polarization microscopic and electron microscopic pictures.