Introduction

Granulation tissue is an important component in the wound healing process. Wounds can heal by primary intention (wound edges approximate easily) and secondary intention (wound edges do not approximate). The granulation tissue matrix fills wounds that heal by the second intention. This tissue type is also present in chronic wounds with many causes. This topic reviews the mechanism of wound healing and repair, the role that granulation tissue plays in that process, the pathophysiology resulting in chronic wounds and persistent granulation tissue, and the clinical significance of granulation tissue. 

Cellular Level

Granulation tissue is considered a contractile organ, characterized histologically by the presence and proliferation of fibroblasts, keratinocytes, endothelial cells, new thin-walled capillaries, and inflammatory cell infiltration of the extracellular matrix. Granulation tissue formation is complex and requires an intricate interplay between the cell types at the wound site (see Image. Granulation Tissue, H/E, 20x).

Fibroblasts

This cell type forms the granulation tissue extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM initially consists of type III collagen, a rapidly produced and weaker form of collagen that is ultimately replaced by the stronger type I collagen at the end of wound healing and scar formation. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a growth factor produced by fibroblasts and keratinocytes during wound healing. It has been shown to induce granulation tissue formation and the differentiation of myofibroblasts.

Keratinocytes

Keratinocytes are responsible for re-epithelializing the epidermis after injury. Their ability to differentiate and proliferate depends on the stem cell population at the wound site and stimulation by various cytokines and growth factors (epidermal growth factor, TGF-α, and keratinocyte growth factor [KGF]). The cell-to-cell binding between keratinocytes is looser during wound healing and strengthens after completion. Immediately after injury, the keratinocytes adjacent to the wound undergo an activation process that alters gene expression and promotes migration over the wound bed.

In an autocrine and paracrine fashion, keratinocytes produce signals that regulate more keratinocyte activation and stimulate other cell types (fibroblasts) during wound closure. Interleukin (IL)-1 increases keratinocyte migration and proliferation, activates nearby fibroblasts, and increases KGF. TNF-α acts similarly to IL-1 and activates the FGF (fibroblast growth factor) pathway. TGF-β, produced by keratinocytes and fibroblasts, reverts keratinocytes to their basal cell phenotype. This signaling process is deficient in venous ulcers and contributes to nonhealing (see Image. Chronic Lipodermatosclerosis and Venous Stasis Ulceration).

Endothelial Cells

The endothelial cells are responsible for revascularization and angiogenesis at the site of the wound. Initially quiescent, the resident endothelial cells become activated by several angiogenic factors, including fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), angiogenin, and TGF-α and TGF-β. Once activated, the endothelial cells undergo 4 events in the formation of new blood vessels:

1. Protease production (breakdown of ECM)
2. Chemotaxis
3. Proliferation
4. Remodeling and differentiation

Angiogenesis requires that the endothelial cells grow quickly into the new tissue from the older intact blood vessels that branch out, form anastomoses with other vessels, and restore blood flow. This process is important for restoring the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the site, removing waste, and transporting leukocytes to the site. Without this, granulation tissue formation would be stunted, and wound healing would be prolonged.

Myofibroblasts

Myofibroblasts are responsible for the contractile process in wound closure. When granulation tissue forms, fibroblasts slowly modulate into myofibroblasts, characterized by bundles of actin microfilaments along their cell's plasma membrane. Prostaglandins, bradykinins, epinephrine, and norepinephrine modulate the contraction function by the myofibroblasts. Eventually, the actin binds to the extracellular component fibronectin, attaches to the collagen fibers, retracts, and draws collagen fibers toward it. The mass effect causes wound contraction and closure.

Immune Cells

Neutrophils (first to the wound) and macrophages are the primary immune cells at the site of wounds that aid in wound healing and protect against invading pathogens. Both cell types are phagocytic, meaning they engulf and ingest pathogens, debris, and damaged tissue, allowing for protection and healing.[1][2][3]

Function

Granulation tissue is a type of new connective tissue, and microscopic blood vessels have 3 main functions:

1. Immune: Protects the wound surface from microbial invasion and further injury
2. Proliferative: Fills the wound from its base with new tissue and vasculature
3. Temporary plug: Replaces necrotic tissue until replacement by scar tissue [1][2]

Mechanism

The process of wound healing is vastly different when comparing fetuses and adults. Fetal wound healing typically has minimal to no scarring, little to no inflammation (thought to be due to a lack of myofibroblasts), rapid epithelialization, high proportions of type III collagen, fast fibroblast migration, and less degranulation by fibroblasts.

Under normal adult conditions, wound healing and tissue repair occur in 4 stages:

1. Hemostasis: Scab formation
2. Inflammatory Stage: Inflammation and edema formation
3. Proliferative Stage: Granulation tissue formation
4. Remodeling Stage: Scar formation

Hemostasis

During this stage of wound healing, the blood vessels at the site of injury contract, and the blood that leaks out through the wounds begins to coagulate and scab over. The coagulation process results from the aggregation of thrombocytes, forming a fibrin network. The fibrin network is the basis for a clot and serves as a temporary matrix for migrating cells. The thrombocytes release cytokines and growth factors that serve as pro-inflammatory signals to attract the immune response to the site of the wound.

Inflammatory Stage

This stage begins when neutrophils arrive at the wound site. Neutrophils arrive within a few minutes and continue to accumulate for several days. Their role is to entrap the microorganisms present at the wound site from the beginning of the injury. The neutrophils also amplify the pro-inflammatory response and release their markers.

Monocytes arrive at the injury site within 2 days, differentiating into macrophages. The role of macrophages is to phagocytose debris, pathogens, and neutrophils while also producing chemical mediators (TGF-β and VEGF) that recruit fibroblasts and endothelial cells and mark the next stage of healing. During this stage, the site of injury becomes erythematous and edematous. This stage takes about 72 hours to complete.

Proliferative Stage

During this stage of healing, re-epithelialization and the replacement of the clot by granulation tissue occurs simultaneously. This stage is highly cellular, with the primary cell types including fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and endothelial cells. Fibroblasts function to synthesize collagen and the extracellular matrix. The granulation tissue comprises an extracellular matrix, proteoglycans, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin. Cytokines, growth factors, interleukins, and angiogenesis factors are active during this time and can continue anywhere from days to weeks under normal circumstances. Granulation tissue grows from the base of the wound and can typically fill any size of the wound. Any errors in granulation tissue formation can result in chronic wound formation. Foreign bodies at the site of a wound can also result in persistent granulation tissue and poor wound healing, with excess macrophages, fibroblasts, and capillaries reacting around the foreign material.

Remodeling Stage

The last stage of wound healing involves apoptosis and the production of new cells. The apoptosis and degradation of the extracellular matrix and immature type III collagen and the ultimate formation of mature type I collagen are critical to scar formation, integrity, and strength. This stage can continue for months to years. If errors occur during this phase, excessive wound healing may lead to hypertrophic or keloidal scarring or a chronic wound resulting in persistent granulation tissue.  

Healthy granulation tissue appears pink to red due to new capillary formation, is soft to the touch, moist, appears bumpy, and is typically painless. Unhealthy granulation tissue is darker red, bleeds easily with minimal contact, is painful, and may be covered by shiny white or yellow fibrous tissue that is avascular, impeding healing. When granulation tissue appears unhealthy, an infectious process or poor healing should be suspected. Wound culture and appropriate treatment according to the culture results should be completed as soon as possible. Once the infection is ruled out or cleared, some chronic wounds may respond to simple cautery with silver nitrate or topical steroid preparations. At the same time, those with the overlying fibrous tissue will require debridement with a curette or scalpel to allow for healing.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]

Pathophysiology

Wound healing can become prolonged under several circumstances. The pathophysiology of wound healing, resulting in excess and unhealthy granulation tissue, and chronic wounds are complex. The causes may include infection at the site of the wound, resulting in excessive recruitment of inflammatory cells. Infections result in increased release of reactive oxygen species that are damaging to the tissue and can also result in the formation of biofilms, which contribute to poor wound healing and are caused by bacterial toxins. Infections can lead to further complications, including abscess, cellulitis, osteomyelitis, and loss of limbs. 

Necrosis, poor perfusion, poor nutrition or metabolism due to insufficient blood supply due to the trauma itself, poor angiogenesis, and underlying conditions (diabetes and vascular insufficiency) are also sources of chronic wounds and persistent granulation tissue.[1][2][3][4][8]

Clinical Significance

Granulation tissue may persist under several circumstances resulting from underlying conditions or errors in the stages of wound healing (errors in the proliferative phase and remodeling phase).[1][2][3][4][6][9]

Prolonged Wound Healing

Possible causes of prolonged wound healing include:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Vascular or arterial insufficiency
• Zinc deficiency
• Low human growth hormone levels
• Older age
• Obesity
• Trauma
• Excess moisture
• Tissue hypoxia
• Medications (steroids, nonsteroidal antiinflammatories, chemotherapy)
• Alcoholism
• Tobacco abuse 

Hypergranulation

Possible causes of hypergranulation (excess granulation tissue) include:

• Wound infection
• Excess inflammation
• Foreign body or material
• Physical irritation or friction

Granulation Tissue

Granulation tissue can also present in:

• Pyogenic granuloma (see Image. Pyogenic Granuloma H/E 10x)
• Pulp polyps