A role for collagen phagocytosis by fibroblasts in scar remodeling: an ultrastructural stereologic study.

A role for collagen phagocytosis and intracellular degradation by fibroblasts during remodeling activity has been suggested by studies on several connective tissues characterized by high rates of collagen turnover and remodeling. The possible importance of such activity in the normal remodeling of scar tissue has been studied by a quantitative ultrastructural stereologic measure of collagen phagocytosis by fibroblasts at various post-wounding intervals in mouse skin scars. The results demonstrate a correlation between the peak periods of such phagocytic activity and the interval during which collagen fiber reorientation across the scar appears to take place.