Since 1982, our group has collaborated with Prof. Gregorio S. Montes in analyzing the composition and function of
the extracellular matrix during fin regeneration in teleosts. The structure and ultrastructure of fully formed and
regenerating fins of various teleostean species have been studied. The dermal skeleton of fins consists of rays formed
by lepidotrichia and which is surrounded by loose connective tissue and a multistratified epidermis. Distally, there are
hyperpolymerized macrofibrils of elastoidin, a collagen-like protein, named actinotrichia. Both lepidotrichia and
actinotrichia are formed during regeneration. However, whereas the lepidotrichia form distally by the addition of new
material, the actinotrichia are synthesized very early at proximal sites and then maintained by a continuous turnover
at the distal margin of the regenerating ray blastema, as shown by radioactive pulse-chase experiments. Using the
picrosirius-polarization method, as well as immunocytochemistry for various extracellular matrix components and
enzymatic digestion, we have established correlations between the various extracellular matrix components;
glycosaminoglycans and collagen in the mature adult structure. During regeneration and after wound healing a blastema
is formed. Histological analysis of the extracellular matrix has indicated that the blastema consists of the blastema
proper, which is rich in hyalunorate and the actinotrichial blastemic region, which is rich in glycosaminoglycan
sulphates and collagen. The inhibition of collagen synthesis by several specific drugs during fin regeneration attenuated
blastema formation, regenerative outgrowth and extracellular matrix formation. These findings suggest an interesting
morphogenetic and regenerative function for collagen which could provide an interesting field for future research.
Key words: Collagen, extracellular matrix, fin, regeneration, teleosts