Abstract
Summary
1. Homologous tendon and plain surgical gut were implanted into the livers of young adult rats for the purpose of investigating the capacity of the organ of absorption and new formation of collagen fibers at measured intervals. 2. Homologous tendon caused no remarkable reaction in the liver and remained viable and in undiminished quantity for an observation period of 3 months. 3. Surgical gut was absorbed during about 3 weeks. At the end of the first weeks there appeared abundant newly formed collagen fibers around the implanted gut. These were observed an decreasing quantity during the following 7 weeks. 4. It appears that the normal liver has the capacity to absorb newly formed collagen fibers as well as non-viable collagen (surgical gut), but not homologous tendon collagen.
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