Influence of Estrogen and Progesterone on Vascularization of Granulation Tissue in Preformed Cavities: A Microangiographic Study

Abstract

The influence of estrogen and progesterone on the vascularity of granulation tissue in oophorectomized rats has been studied with microangiography. Estrogen alone, progesterone alone, and both combined were given daily for three weeks. Two weeks after the beginning of the hormone treatment, perforated wound chambers were implanted subcutaneously in the back of each rat. One week later the vascular system was filled with colloidal carbon. Cross sections of the chambers with surrounding granulation tissue capsule were examined regarding the thickness of the capsule and the degree of proliferation of granulation tissue into the chamber. The vascular system of the newly formed tissue within the perforations of the chamber wall was examined morphometrically. Estrogen suppressed the vascularization around the chamber wall as well as the proliferation of the granulation tissue while progesterone enhanced the vascularization around the chamber wall and produced a granulation tissue the vascular volume of which was markedly increased compared to the other groups.