Abstract
Summary and Conclusions
Based on these data, we conclude that in the rat:
1. A critical mass of marrow is necessary for extramedullary marrow autotransplants to grow. This mass is roughly 15 mg of tissue.
2. Above this critical mass, a linear correlation exists between the weight of implanted and recovered tissues.
3. During the first 4 days of regeneration, the weight of the implant increases to 400% of initial weight and this may be explained by intense circulation through the implant and, in part, by intense proliferative activity in fibroblasts. After day 4, a decrease in vascularity of the implant and degeneration of many fibroblasts results in decrease in the weight of implant which begins to stabilize around day 8.
4. The final weight of implant is always less than the initial weight (average 25%), indicating a loss of tissue during the regenerative processes.
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