Degradation of porcine dermal connective tissue by collagenase and hyaluronidase.

Selective destruction of connective tissue may be a useful therapeutic tool in conditions associated with abnormal deposition of scar tissue. We have investigated intradermal injections of clostridial collagenase and bovine testicular hyaluronidase alone and in combination in Yucatan miniature hairless pigs. Collagenase in combination with hyaluronidase was quite efficient at destroying the connective tissue matrix, although elastic tissue appeared to be completely spared. Collagenase alone at higher doses degraded collagen, but hyaluronidase had little effect on connective tissue architecture.