Variation in basement membrane topography in human thick skin

Abstract

Samples of human plantar and palmar skin were excised and incubated in 20 mM EDTA after which the epidermis was gently separated from the dermis with the plane of separation occurring in the lamina lucida. Scanning electron microscopic examination of the dermal component revealed the classically described series of regularly spaced grooves and papillae that characterize the epidermal-dermal junction in thick skin. Primary dermal grooves exhibited evenly spaced tunnels that were originally occupied by sweat gland ducts. The basement membrane (basal lamina) in the primary grooves was relatively smooth but did exhibit a flattened, reticulated pattern at high magnifications. The basement membrane of secondary dermal grooves and papillae was in the form of numerous, elevated microridges off of which septae arose at roughly right angles. The surface appearance of the basement membrane in these areas was that of a honeycomb owing to the numerous compartments and recesses formed by the ridges and septae. Degradation of the basement membrane by trypsin demonstrated that the foundation for the highly folded and compartmentalized basement membrane was composed of dermal collagen fibrils, 60-70 nm in diameter, that were arranged in a series of variably sized, interconnected collagen bundles or walls. Epidermal basal cells extended cytoplasmic (foot) processes into two or more compartments, formed by the ridges and septae, which considerably amplified the basement membrane surface available for epidermal attachment. Scanning electron microscopic studies of the epidermal-dermal junction confirm the variable surface character of this interface previously reported by others using sectioned material.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biomimetic Topography: Bioinspired Cell Culture Substrates and Scaffolds

“…Hierarchical organization over different length scales of topography is observed in many tissues. For example, scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination of human thick skin dermis ECM reveals surface topography over different length scales (Kawabe et al, 1985). The primary topography is composed of millimeter scale alternating wide and narrow grooves called primary and secondary grooves, respectively.…”

Collagen fibrillar networks as skeletal frameworks. A demonstration by cell-maceration/scanning electron microscope method.

“…Collagen fibrillar network at the epithelialconnective tissue junction Recent SEM studies of human thick skin (HULL and WARFEL,1983;MISUMI and AKIYOSHI, 1984;KAWABE, MACCALLUM and LILLIE, 1985) and of the tongue (KARRING, 1973;KLEIN-SZANTO and SCHROEDER, 1977;KOBAYASHI, MIYATA and IINO, 1987) have demonstrated a complex folded pattern on the dermal surface of the epidermal-dermal junction. In addition to confirming such previous findings, we have clearly demonstrated the arrangement of the collagen fibrils of the dermal surface of the human fingertip skin and the dog tongue.…”

“…This structure probably corresponds to a complex system of cytoplasmic processes of the basal epithelial cells (SCHENK and WERSALL, 1975;KAWABE, MACCALLUM and LILLIE, 1985); it also seems a device for the tight adherence of the epithelium, with the aid of the basal lamina, to the underlying connective tissue fibers, and for mechanical support of the epithelium. The present study shows that each filiform papilla in the adult dog tongue contains 8-12 connective tissue papillae.…”

New Approach for Skin Repair by Using Bacterial Cellulose Altered with Paraffin and Porous Bacterial Cellulose based Scaffold with Alginate

“…These are presently being used to form or produce strategically adapted channels and pores or holes and expressed macroscopic appearances. The fabrication of more well-defined porous assemblies suggest the potential for better control throughout the distribution of wholesale material within an implant site in addition to control over configurations of cells migration, fluid movement, and dispersion through the design [15].…”