Anatomy of striae

Abstract

The histopathology of striae distensae is disputed; different authorities give contradictory accounts of the microscopic changes, especially in elastic fibres. We re-evaluated the problem by taking eight elliptical biopsies across striae. Six were examined by light microscopy with appropriate stains for elastin and collagen. Two were prepared for scanning electronmicroscopy (s.e.m.), using a procedure which removes collagen, enabling the elastic network to be seen in its native form. By light microscopy, striae were sharply demarcated from normal skin, consisting mainly of fine, straight bundles of collagen arranged parallel to the surface. Fine elastic fibres were disposed similarly without fragmentation, fraying or curling. By s.e.m., the elastic network was found to be extraordinarily dense and well developed with many fine, curled fibres in random array. It was evident that the routine stains for elastin greatly underestimated the abundance of elastic fibres, probably because immature fibres contain insufficient protein matrix. The horizontal packing of collagen bundles was confirmed by s.e.m. These findings support the view that striae distensae are scars. There is no evidence that they form by stress-induced rupture of the connective tissue.

Obesity and the skin: Skin physiology and skin manifestations of obesity

“…80 Typical histopathologic features also include densely packed eosinophilic thin collagen bundles parallel to epidermis, effacement of rete ridges, and lack of adnexal structures, thus reinforcing striae as forms of scars. 81 Currently available treatment options are unsatisfactory, but include topical agents such as tretinoin J AM ACAD DERMATOL VOLUME 56,NUMBER 6 0.1% cream, 82 and tretinoin 0.05% cream combined with 20% glycolic acid. 83 Lower dose tretinoin 0.025% cream does not appear to be effective.…”

A mechanochemical model of striae distensae

“…Heralding their onset is the appearance of parallel inflammatory streaks aligned perpen-3 dicular to the direction of skin tension. The evolution of striae is characterised by at least two phases: an 4 initial inflammatory phase known as striae rubra and a later, chronic phase known as striae alba [1]. Striae [2] or pregnancy [3].…”

Was hilft am besten bei Bindegewebsschwäche?

“…Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen zeigten jedoch, dass der Gehalt an elastischen Fasern mit Routinefär-bungen für Elastin unterschätzt wird, vermutlich weil unreife Fasern eine ungenü-gende Proteinmatrix besitzen [45].…”