The modulation of contraction of fibroblast populated collagen lattices by types I, II, and III collagen.

Human dermal fibroblasts incorporated in a polymerized collagen lattice reduce the size of that matrix. When cell number, collagen concentration, and medium are identical, lattices made with type III collagen contract faster and to a greater degree than those made with type I collagen. The latter contract faster and to a greater degree than those made with type II collagen.