Granulomatous Tissue Reaction and Calcification of Heterologous Elastin Implanted in Hairless Mouse Skin: Light and Electron Microscopic Studies Compared with Reaction of Heterologous Collagen

Abstract

Heterologous elastin particles were injected into the deep dermis or below the panniculus carnosus of hairless mice. A granulomatous tissue reaction with concomitant giant cell formation occurred around the implanted elastin in the early stages and, subsequently, calcium deposition with disappearance of the histiocytes and giant cells occurred in the later stages. Ultrastructural study revealed that some elastin particles were engulfed by the giant cells; others underwent calcification but remained intact. The heterologous collagen used as a control also induced a granulomatous tissue reaction, but did not undergo calcification and gradually disappeared. These results suggest that the heterologous elastin and collagen particles exhibit different susceptibilities to digestion. However, it is not clear why the heterologous elastin underwent calcification.

Penicillamine‐Induced Degenerative Dermatoses: Report of a Case and Brief Review of Such Dermatoses

“…The elastic fibers were clearly shown to be degenerative and sometimes engulfed into giant cells. Elastin, when implanted experimentally, can be the object of granulomatous tissue reaction or foreignbody granuloma (16). Therefore, severely damaged, degenerative elastic fibers should be the object of granulomatous reactions as well.…”