Cells were seeded in collagen matrices in medium containing 10% FBS, and images of fixed (HTF5003, 3T3) or live (HDF, HSF) gels were obtained using confocal reflection microscopy at different times after matrix polymerisation. HTF and 3T3 induced a rapid marked pericellular alignment of the collagen fibres (arrows), while matrix degradation could be seen either in the form of voids around the cell (HSF, arrowheads) or as a general fading of the matrix (t24hr for HDF, t120 hours in HTF and 3T3). Phase images background was filtered for clarity using Photoshop. Bars, 20 μm. Images shown are representative of 3 independent experiments.