Abstract
Injectable collagen has been conventionally used for vocal fold augmentation in human subjects. One inherent problem with this treatment, however, has lied in the persistence of the implants.
To explore this problem, injectable collagen, 3% atelocollagen extracted from a calf, was injected into both the lamina propria and muscle layers in canine vocal folds. A histologic study was performed one year postoperatively.
We were unable to detect evidence of significant foreign body reaction and migration during the follow-up period. However, two patterns of reaction were seen : 1. cellular infiltration, 2. colonization by host fibroblasts and nourishing capillaries.
In immunohistochemical study it was revealed that when the implanted collagen was colonized by host cells, the immunologic features of the implant were preserved.
