Collagenolysis in Cultured Tissue: I. Digestion of Mesenteric Fibers by Enzymes from Explanted Gingival Tissue

Abstract

Collagen fibers of cultured rat mesentery were lysed by an enzyme diffusing from explants of gingival tissue in the same culture. The enzyme was nondialyzable, heat labile, and specific for collagen. Its action was facilitated by heparin, vitamin A, and a product of mast cell granules but was inhibited by cortisone and histamine. Gingival cells in prolonged culture lost the capacity to digest collagen.