Pathogenesis of the Collagen Defect in Experimental Scurvy

In the quarter century since Wolbach's studies¹ on the disturbance in collagen formation in experimental scorbutus, extensive research has been performed in this field. Much of it was stimulated by the hope that manipulation of the collagen defect might provide a lead to better understanding of collagen metabolism, wound healing, and the collagen diseases. In 1956, Dunphy and his associates² reported on a preliminary trial of polyvinyl sponge implants into the abdominal wall of experimental animals in this field. Others^3,4 had used this material previously but not in experimental scurvy. The technique has certain advantages over experimental linear or excised wounds in studies of reparative collagen deposition. For example, with multiple implants in the same animal one sponge can be submitted for chemical analysis and the other for pathologic evaluation. Our experience with the simultaneous implantation of polyvinyl sponges into the abdominal wall and anterior chamber of