Organization of the Connective Matrix of the Sarcoid Granuloma.

Abstract
The connective matrix of sarcoid granulomas is polymorphic. Immunolabeling techniques show that it is partly composed of fibronectin and collagen types I and III and is found at all stages of the granulomas' evolution. This suggests that the process known as hyalinization is not due to changes in the composition of the matrix but results from a gradual accumulation of connective tissue components. Fibronectin seems to play an essential role as mediator between different cell populations during the evolution of the granulomas.