Figure 1

The method for surgical wound model of SMGs. Cells in expressed wound area were collected by collagen gel. Furthermore, we made collagen gel contained bFGF, and observed effect to these cells using this collagen gel. (a, b) A cylindrical defect, 3 mm in diameter, passing through the SMGs, was made in each salivary gland using a biopsy punch. (c, d) Collagen gels were placed in the wounds after bleeding was arrested. (e) Salivary glands were covered with a Gore-Tex membrane to prevent the migration of fibroblasts from the connective tissue and entry into the collagen gels. bFGF, basic fibroblast growth factor; SMG, submandibular gland.