THE FORMATION OF COLLAGEN FIBERS BY THE ACTION OF HEPARIN ON SOLUBLE COLLAGEN: AN ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STUDY

Abstract

Collagen fibers have been formed in vitro by the action of heparm on solutions of collagen. Heparin was found to be effective in inducing collagen fiber formation when present in concentrations as low as 1-80,000. It is postulated that mast cells, by virtue of the heparin which they produce, may play a role in the formation of collagen.