Mast cell degranulation and elastolysis in the early stage of striae distensae

Abstract

The lesions of nine patients with early striae distensae (SD) during puberty were examined by light and electron microscopy. Specific changes were seen in very early stage SD, and in clinically uninvolved skin 0.5 to 3 cm remote from the edge of the long axis of the SD lesions. Sequential changes of elastolysis accompanied by mast cell degranulation appeared first, followed by an influx of activated macrophages that enveloped fragmented elastic fibers. The relationships among elastic fibers, mast cells, and macrophages seen in the present work suggest their critical roles in the process of SD formation, especially in the early stage. Our results also indicate that the elastic fiber is the primary target of the pathological process, and the abnormalities extend as far as 3 cm beyond the lesion into normal skin.

Fractionated CO2 Laser in the Treatment of Striae Alba in Darker Skinned Patients - A Prospective Study

“…Skin stretch may result in explosive degranulation of mast cells with consequent destruction of elastin and collagen fibers. 9 Cushing syndrome or long term administration of topical/oral corticosteroids may cause the developing of striae. 5,[10][11][12][13] Genetic susceptibility can definitely have a major role as well; however, the precise mechanism has not completely elucidated.…”

A mechanochemical model of striae distensae

“…Much emphasis has been placed on the effects of skin stretching in the pathogenesis 13 of striae [10] since the lesions are found to be aligned perpendicular to the direction of skin tension. Some 14 investigators have suggested that mechanical rupture of dermal components is an important initiating event.…”

“…tivated macrophages in association with mid-dermal elastolysis [14]. While mast cell activation has been…”

Anetoderma with positive Darier’s sign

“…Rare and atypical presentations of mastocytosis has been reported in literatures consist of bullous, pseudoxanthomatous, congenital dermographism and anetodermic lesions [3,4]. Degranulating mast cells could be able to degraded dermal elastin [5] and induce anetoderma. Mild trauma results in erythema and urticaria around mastocytosis macule which named Darier`s sign which helps us as a clinical guide for detecting anetodermic mastocytosis [2].…”