Stereological estimation of epidermal volumes and dermo-epidermal surface area in normal skin

S. Kamp*, L. S. Balkert, K. Stenderup, C. Rosada, B. Pakkenberg, K. Kemp, G. B. Jemec, T. N. Dam

*Corresponding author af dette arbejde

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftArtikelForskningpeer review

Abstract

Quantitative morphological studies of the healthy epidermis are essential in providing a range of parameter estimates that can be considered within the range of normality. Stereology is a set of statistical tools that provides potentially unbiased and precise estimates of 3-dimensional tissue characteristics from 2-dimensional sections. We set out to establish reference values for the volume of the viable epidermis contained within a four-millimetre punch biopsy (V epi), the volume of the stratum corneum (V SC) and the surface area of the dermo-epidermal junction(A DEJ) in 4 predetermined body regions by use of stereology. Four-millimetre punch biopsies were taken from 20 freshly diseased corpses, fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin. V epi, V SC and A DEJ were established stereologically for all 4 body locations followed by pairwise comparison of means after Bonferroni correction. V epi was significantly larger in the sole compared to all other body locations (p < 0.01). Furthermore, linear regression analysis showed a strong linear relationship between V epi and V SC in the sole (r = 0.70). Our results suggest that the viable layers of the epidermis might also serve a mechanical function, either directly or by providing the stratum corneum with keratinocytes to support the hyperkeratosis in the weight-bearing parts of the skin.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
Sider (fra-til)131-139
Antal sider9
TidsskriftDermatology
Vol/bind223
Udgave nummer2
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 1 nov. 2011

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