A review of fibroblast-populated collagen lattices.

Bell's introduction of the fibroblast-populated collagen lattice (FPCL) has facilitated the study of collagen-cell interactions. As a result of the numerous modifications of the casting of FPCLs, the in vivo applications of these in vitro findings have been confusing. Here experimental FPCL contraction findings are viewed in regard to three proposed mechanisms responsible for lattice contraction. The cellular mechanisms responsible for generating FPCL contraction are cell contraction, cell tractional forces related to cell locomotion, and initial cell elongation and spreading.