Abstract: A method of repairing connective tissue uses a heterograft for supporting ingrowth of ligament or tendon connective tissue to replace damaged connective tissue in a subject which is composed of a plurality of long, thin fibers extracted from animal connective tissue having generally the same mechanical properties as the tissue to be replaced. The individual fibers are extracted by a sequence of chemical treatments and mechanical treatments, purified to eliminate foreign material from the fibers, and cross-linked to a degree that causes their shrinkage temperature to have a preselected value that corresponds to the desired tensile strength, allows only a preselected amount of water retention by the fibers in order to enhance attraction of fibrogenic cells to the fiber surfaces, and avoids producing foreign body reaction to the heterograft. The fibers are maintained generally parallel in a bundle or weave.

Abstract: A thin film of hydrophilic hydrogel is applied to a person's skin, including hands, forearms, and face to prevent shedding of minute skin particulates, to prevent fingerprints, and to prevent transmission of toxic substances through the film.

Abstract: The disclosure deals with a method of treating fibrotic lesions related to abnormal collagen polymerization by topical administration of lathyrogenic substances, such as .beta.-aminopropionitrile fumarate, aminoacetonitrile, D-penicillamine, into the site of the injury. The lathyrogenic drugs are administered by local injection or onto the skin and percutaneously transported into the site of the lesion. Lathyrogens, administered locally as a single drug or in combination do not produce any local or systemic toxic effects and are improving the function of the pathological fibrosis based on the accumulation of polymerized collagenous protein.