Evaluation of the Structural and Functional Dynamics of Extracellular Matrix of the Skin and Histochemical Characterization of the Dermal Interstitium

Abstract

Introduction: Skin is the largest organ in the body consists of three layers, epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. Skin along with its accessories like nails, hair follicles, sweat glands and sebaceous glands forms the integumentary system. Skin acts as a barrier between the external factors and internal environment and gives protection to deeper tissues in the body. Skin cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer. Materials and Methods: Samples for this study were taken from human cadavers. Histochemical study was done with Van Gieson’s method for collagen fibers, Weigert’s resorcin fuchsin for elastic fibers and Mallory’s trichrome stain for connective tissue were used to study the connective tissue. Collagen, elastic fibers and cells in the interstitium of skin were analyzed. Results: Thick and thin collagen fibers were found to be arranged in vertical and horizontal direction in the dermis. Mast cells and macrophages were more in number in the interstitium near the vessels. Fibers surrounding the vessels transfer the mechanical pressure to the lymphatic vessels. Initial and collecting lymphatic vessels were identified. Conclusion: The arrangement of fibers and distribution of cells in the skin helps in understanding fields like regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

Keywords

• skin
• interstitium
• histochemistry
• lymphatics
• interstitial space