Reconstitution of the epidermal basement membrane after enzymatic dermal-epidermal separation of embryonic mouse skin

Pieces of trypsin-isolated 14-day embryonic mouse epidermis were recombined with various living or non-living dermal or non-dermal substrates, in order to analyse the reconstruction of the dermal-epidermal junction. The constitution and ultrastructure of the epidermal basement membrane were characterized by immunolabelling of laminin, type IV collagen and bullous pemphigoid antigen, and by transmission electron microscopy. Trypsin treatment of dorsal skin followed by dermal-epidermal separation does not visibly damage the epidermal basement membrane, which remains attached to the lower face of epidermis. When freshly isolated epidermis is reassociated with dermis, the basement membrane is first degraded during the first 4 h of culture, then reconstituted within 24 h. When epidermis is cultured in isolation the basement membrane disappears within 4 h and is not reconstructed. Epidermis, precultured for 4 h and thus deprived of its basement membrane prior to reassociation, is able to reconstruct an antigenically and ultrastructurally normal basement membrane, when recombined with living or frozen-killed (-20 degrees C) dermis, with muscle tissue, or with a film of fibrous type I collagen. No basement membrane is reconstituted when the epidermis is recombined with heat (100 degrees C) killed dermis. It is concluded that, in the reconstituted epidermal basement membrane, laminin, type IV collagen, bullous pemphigoid antigen, and lamina densa are of exclusive epidermal origin.     

Laminin 5 can promote assembly of the lamina densa in the skin equivalent model

Skin equivalents were prepared by culturing human keratinocytes on the surface of type I collagen gel contracted by human skin fibroblasts (dermal equivalents) and by raising the gel to an air-liquid interface. A stratified squamous epithelium was formed with a well-differentiated cornified layer at the top of keratinocyte layers within 7 days after plating of the keratinocytes on the dermal equivalents. Although major basement membrane components such as collagens IV and VII and laminin 5 were detected immunohistochemically at the dermal-epidermal junction, a lamina densa was rarely observed by electron microscopy even in 14-day skin equivalents. When laminin 5 (1, 5 or 20 μg/ml) was added to the culture medium on day 7 through day 14, types IV and VII collagens at the dermal-epidermal junction stained more strongly by immunohistochemistry compared with the control. Patches of lamina densa were present along the epidermal-dermal junction, and vesicles containing electron-opaque sheets approximately 0.6 μm in diameter that reacted with anti-collagen IV antibody were also observed in basal keratinocytes in 14-day skin equivalents by electron microscopy. Morphometric analysis showed that the total length of lamina densa along the dermal-epidermal junction as well as in the vesicles increased up to 180%, 230% or 520% of control cultures by the addition of laminin 5 (1, 5 or 20 μg/ml, respectively). These results suggest that laminin 5 accelerates formation of the lamina densa along dermal-epidermal junction of the skin equivalents, depending on the concentration of laminin 5 supplemented exogenously.     

Reconstitution of human epidermis in vitro is accompanied by transient activation of basal keratinocyte spreading

Frozen human cadaver skin obtained from the skin bank was thawed and incubated in serum-free medium for 1–2 days, after which the original epidermis could be removed mechanically. Transmission electron microscopic observations showed that the dermal matrix remaining behind contained intact bundles of collagen fibrils but no live cells and that a continuous lamina densa persisted in the basement membrane region. Indirect immunofluorescence analyses demonstrated linear staining of the basement membrane region by antibodies against laminin and type IV collagen and discontinuous staining with antibodies against fibronectin. Scanning electron microscopic observations revealed a normal topographical arrangement of dermal matrix papilla and interspersed crypts on the surface of the matrix. Epidermal cells placed on the dermal matrix attached in 1–2 h and spread by 24 h. After 1 week of culture the epidermis was reconstituted, at which time approximately 30% of the epidermal cells were basal keratinocytes and the remainder were more differentiated keratinocytes. A high degree of differentiation of the reconstituted epidermis was shown by the formation of hemidesmosomes along the basement membrane, the formation of desmosomes characterized by intercellular dense lines, and the presence of a cell layer containing keratohyalin granules. At various times during epidermal reconstitution, cells were harvested and tested in short-term assays for adhesion to fibronectin substrata. During the first several days there was a transient activation of basal keratinocyte spreading analogous to the modulation of keratinocyte spreading that we have observed during epidermal reconstitution in vivo.     

Evaluation of immunoelectron microscopic techniques in the study of basement membrane antigens

 Recent technical advances in immunoelectron microscopy (IEM), including methods of pre- and postembedding IEM and cryoultramicrotomy, have helped to elucidate the precise ultrastructural localization of various basement membrane-related molecules. Our objective was to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of several different techniques for studying the ultrastructural organization of basement membrane components. We found that, while ”on-surface” immunolabeling of postembedding IEM and cryoultramicrotomy with anti-type IV collagen or anti-laminin-5 antibody clearly demonstrated dense labeling on the lamina densa, preembedding IEM with a 1-nm ultra-small gold probe showed labeling only on the epidermal and/or dermal surfaces of the lamina densa, with no specific gold particles being seen within the lamina densa itself. These results indicate that even ultra-small colloidal gold-labeled antibody fails to penetrate the lamina densa in preembedding IEM. However, labeling with a GB3 monoclonal antibody against laminin-5 was demonstrable with preembedding IEM and cryoultramicrotomy, but not with post-embedding IEM, probably due to a loss of antigenicity. These results confirm the advantages and limitations of these techniques of IEM and emphasize the importance of using different techniques of IEM in determining the precise ultrastructural distribution of basement membrane antigens. Accepted: 30 January 1998     

High resolution immunoelectron microscopic localization of functional domains of laminin, nidogen, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan in epithelial basement membrane of mouse cornea reveals different topological orientations

Thin and ultrathin cryosections of mouse cornea were labeled with affinity-purified antibodies directed against either laminin, its central segments (domain 1), the end of its long arm (domain 3), the end of one of its short arms (domain 4), nidogen, or low density heparan sulfate proteoglycan. All basement membrane proteins are detected by indirect immunofluorescence exclusively in the epithelial basement membrane, in Descemet's membrane, and in small amorphous plaques located in the stroma. Immunoelectron microscopy using the protein A-gold technique demonstrated laminin domain 1 and nidogen in a narrow segment of the lamina densa at the junction to the lamina lucida within the epithelial basement membrane. Domain 3 shows three preferred locations at both the cellular and stromal boundaries of the epithelial basement membrane and in its center. Domain 4 is located predominantly in the lamina lucida and the adjacent half of the lamina densa. The low density heparan sulfate proteoglycan is found all across the basement membrane showing a similar uniform distribution as with antibodies against the whole laminin molecule. In Descemet's membrane an even distribution was found with all these antibodies. It is concluded that within the epithelial basement membrane the center of the laminin molecule is located near the lamina densa/lamina lucida junction and that its long arm favors three major orientations. One is close to the cell surface indicating binding to a cell receptor, while the other two are directed to internal matrix structures. The apparent codistribution of laminin domain 1 and nidogen agrees with biochemical evidence that nidogen binds to this domain.     

Ultrastructural orientation of laminin 5 in the epidermal basement membrane: an updated model for basement membrane organization.

Laminin 5 is a trimeric glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion in the epidermal basement membrane. To determine the precise orientation of laminin 5 in adult human skin, we used plural epitope-specific monoclonal antibodies, a polyclonal antiserum, and postembedding immunogold electron microscopy (IEM). Immunogold labeling distances from the basal keratinocyte plasma membrane (PM) were measured for each gold particle (>200 particles) and the mean distance (nm) calculated. Antibodies included BM165 (recognizing the alpha 3-chain first globular domain) that was measured at 35.40 +/- 2.20 nm from the keratinocyte PM, K140 (recognizing a region adjacent to the beta 3-chain globular domain IV) that measured 45.20 +/- 3.60 nm from the PM, and an anti-laminin 5 polyclonal antiserum that was 43.43 +/- 6.28 nm from the PM. The laminin 5 gamma 2-chain short arm hinge domain was previously localized to the lower lamina densa (LD) at approximately 56.30 +/- 1.65 nm from the keratinocyte PM. Taken together with previous gamma 2-chain data and the distribution of the polyclonal antisera, we estimate that the long axis of laminin 5 is oriented at an angle of approximately 27 degrees from the horizontal lamina lucida (LL)/LD border and propose that the gamma 2-chain lies farthest from the PM. This novel orientation, with the majority of the laminin 5 molecule lying obliquely along the LL/LD border and not perpendicularly, as was first thought, sheds new light on the organization of the basement membrane and likely molecular interactions.     

Hypoplastic basement membrane of the lens anlage in the inheritable lens aplastic mouse (lap mouse)

Adult homozygous lap mice show various eye abnormalities such as aphakia, retinal disorganization, and dysplasia of the cornea and anterior chamber. In the fetal eye of a homozygous lap mouse, the lens placode appears to develop normally. However, the lens vesicle develops abnormally to form a mass of cells without a cavity, and the mass vanishes soon afterward. Apoptotic cell death is associated with the disappearance of the lens anlage. We examined the basement membranes of the lens anlage of this mutant by immunohistochemical methods under light microscopy using antibodies against basement membrane components of the lens anlage, type IV collagen, fibronectin, laminin, heparan sulfate proteoglycan, and entactin and by transmission electron microscopy. Immunohistochemistry showed the distribution and intensity of antibody binding to the lens anlage to be almost the same for each these antibodies regardless of the stage of gestation or whether the anlagen were from normal BALB/c or lap mice. Thus, positive continuous reactions were observed around the exterior region of the lens anlage from day 10 of gestation for type IV collagen, fibronectin, laminin, heparan sulfate proteoglycan antibodies, and at least from day 11of gestation for entactin antibody. The basement membrane lamina densa of both normal and lap mice was shown by electron microscopy to be discontinuous at days 10 and 10.5 of gestation. However, by day 11 the lamina densa was continuous in the lens anlagen of normal mice but still discontinuous in the lap mice. By day 12 of gestation, the lamina densa had thickened markedly in normal mice, whereas in lap mice it remained discontinuous and its thinness indicated hypoplasia. These results indicate that, while all basement components examined are produced and deposited in the normal region of the lens anlage in the lap mouse, the basement membrane is, for some reason, imperfectly formed. The time at which hypoplasia of the basement membrane was observed in this mutant coincided with the stage during which apoptosis in the lens anlage occurred. This result may indicate a possibility of the relationship between the basement membrane and apoptosis in this mutant.     

Colocalization of multiple laminin isoforms predominantly beneath hemidesmosomes in the upper lamina densa of the epidermal basement membrane.

Multiple laminin isoforms including laminins 5 (alpha3 beta3 gamma2), 6 (alpha3 beta1 gamma1), 10 (alpha5 beta1 gamma1), and possibly laminins 7 (alpha3 beta2 gamma1) and 11 (alpha5 beta2 gamma1) are present in the epidermal basement membrane. However, only the precise epidermal ultrastructural localization of laminin 5 (alpha3 beta3 gamma2) has been elucidated. We therefore determined the precise expression and ultrastructural localization of the alpha5, beta1, beta2, and gamma1 chains in the epidermis. The expression of laminin chains in skin samples was analyzed from patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB, n=15) that harbor defects in specific hemidesmosome (HD)-associated components. The expression of the alpha5, beta1, and gamma1 chains (present in laminins 10/11) and beta2 chain (laminins 7/11) was unaffected in all intact (unseparated) skin of EB patients including Herlitz junctional EB with laminin-5 defects (n=6). In the basement membrane of human epidermis, the alpha5, beta1, beta2, and gamma1 chains were expressed but also localized to the dermal vessels. Immunogold electron microscopy of normal human epidermis localized the alpha5, beta1, beta2, and gamma1 chains to the upper lamina densa, with between 84% and 92% of labeling restricted to beneath the HDs, similar to laminin 5 (n> or =200 gold particles per sample, sample number n=4) but distinct from collagen IV labeling (with only 63% labeling beneath HDs, p<0.001). Taken together, the majority of the alpha5beta1/beta2gamma1 laminin chains are located beneath HDs. This suggests that laminin-10-associated chains have specific functions or molecular interactions beneath HDs in the epidermal basement membrane.     

Cicatrization of the skin of the 7-day-old chick embryo cultured in vitro

A morphological study of in vitro wound healing has been performed by light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy in dorsal thoraco-lumbar skin of 7-day chick embryos. A circular wound, 750 microns in diameter, was punched out of dorsal skin, removing epidermis and the underlying dense dermis. Wound closure was completed within 96 to 120 hours. Feather bud development was not observed at the wound site. The epidermis began to migrate some 24 h after the wounding; the migration of peridermal cells preceded that of basal epidermal cells by some 12 hours. Mechanisms of the epidermal migration were similar to those observed in situ during wound healing of the integument in 5-day chick embryos (THEVENET, 1981), Superficial epithelization of bare dermis occurred as soon as 12 h after the injury. Cytoplasm of dermal cells exhibited many microtubules and a dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum. During the first 48 h, the epidermal cells established direct contacts and zones of close parallel apposition with epithelized dermal cell processes. The basement membrane lamina densa was maintained at the edges of the wound without retraction or ruffling. It was reconstituted concomitantly with the epidermal migration within 72 h. Cytoplasm of migratory epidermal and epithelized dermal cells exhibited many cytoskeleton structures.     

Evaluation of Dermal Substitute in a Novel Co-Transplantation Model with Autologous Epidermal Sheet

The development of more and more new dermal substitutes requires a reliable and effective animal model to evaluate their safety and efficacy. In this study we constructed a novel animal model using co-transplantation of autologous epidermal sheets with dermal substitutes to repair full-thickness skin defects. Autologous epidermal sheets were obtained by digesting the basement membrane (BM) and dermal components from rat split-thickness skins in Dispase II solution (1.2 u/ml) at 4°C for 8, 10 and 12 h. H&E, immunohistochemical and live/dead staining showed that the epidermal sheet preserved an intact epidermis without any BM or dermal components, and a high percentage of viable cells (92.10±4.19%) and P63 positive cells (67.43±4.21%) under an optimized condition. Porcine acellular dermal matrixes were co-transplanted with the autologous epidermal sheets to repair full-thickness skin defects in Sprague-Dawley rats. The epidermal sheets survived and completely re-covered the wounds within 3 weeks. Histological staining showed that the newly formed stratified epidermis attached directly onto the dermal matrix. Inflammatory cell infiltration and vascularization of the dermal matrix were not significantly different from those in the subcutaneous implantation model. Collagen IV and laminin distributed continuously at the epidermis and dermal matrix junction 4 weeks after transplantation. Transmission electron microscopy further confirmed the presence of continuous lamina densa and hemidesmosome structures. This novel animal model can be used not only to observe the biocompatibility of dermal substitutes, but also to evaluate their effects on new epidermis and BM formation. Therefore, it is a simple and reliable model for evaluating the safety and efficacy of dermal substitutes.     

Type VII collagen forms an extended network of anchoring fibrils

Type VII collagen is one of the newly identified members of the collagen family. A variety of evidence, including ultrastructural immunolocalization, has previously shown that type VII collagen is a major structural component of anchoring fibrils, found immediately beneath the lamina densa of many epithelia. In the present study, ultrastructural immunolocalization with monoclonal and monospecific polyclonal antibodies to type VII collagen and with a monoclonal antibody to type IV collagen indicates that amorphous electron-dense structures which we term "anchoring plaques" are normal features of the basement membrane zone of skin and cornea. These plaques contain type IV collagen and the carboxyl-terminal domain of type VII collagen. Banded anchoring fibrils extend from both the lamina densa and from these plaques, and can be seen bridging the plaques with the lamina densa and with other anchoring plaques. These observations lead to the postulation of a multilayered network of anchoring fibrils and anchoring plaques which underlies the basal lamina of several anchoring fibril-containing tissues. This extended network is capable of entrapping a large number of banded collagen fibers, microfibrils, and other stromal matrix components. These observations support the hypothesis that anchoring fibrils provide additional adhesion of the lamina densa to its underlying stroma.     

Fibronectin in basement membrane of Hertwig's epithelial sheath. Light and electron immunohistochemical localization

The distribution of fibronectin throughout the basement membrane of Hertwig's epithelial sheath was studied using specific antibodies with the immunoperoxidase technique in both light and electron microscopy. Our results demonstrate that, after collagenase digestion in situ, the basement membrane was strongly labelled by antifibronectin antibodies on the lamina lucida, the lamina densa and the lamina (pars) fibroreticularis which contained aperiodic fibrils of 5-10 nm in diameter.     

Immunolocalization of laminin during estrogen-induced differentiation of quail oviduct epithelial cells

During estrogen-induced development of the quail oviduct, tubular glands are formed by evagination of epithelial cells into the stroma. The distribution of laminin was studied during the early stages by means of immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase techniques. Ultrastructural changes in the basal lamina were studied by electron microscopy. Basement membranes at all stages of development were delineated with 3 polyclonal antilaminin antisera. However, in ovariectomized birds, laminin could not be detected by one of the polyclonal antilaminin antisera. Subsequently, this antibody detected laminin as epithelial cell evaginations were induced by estradiol benzoate. The heavy and light chains of Engelbreth Holm sarcoma (EHS) laminin were revealed in immunoblotting by all antibodies. By electron microscopy after the immunoperoxidase technique with antilaminin antisera laminin appears to be accumulated mainly in the lamina densa. Furthermore, the thickness of the basal lamina increases during oviduct development. These data indicate that basal lamina organization is modified during oviduct cell differentiation and that immunoreactivity of epithelial basement membrane laminin changes during development.     

An ultrastructural study of connective tissue in mollusc integument: I. Bivalvia

The ultrastructure of the subepidermal connective tissue (SEC) in different areas of the integument of the bivalves Callista chione, Pecten jacobaeus, Mytilus galloprovincialis and Ostrea edulis was studied by transmission electron microscopy. The main organisation of the SEC was broadly similar in all species: the SEC was connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane and merged directly with the deeper connective tissue surrounding muscles. The SEC was not differentiated into layers like the papillary and reticular dermis of mammals, however, the architecture, thickness and shape of the basement membrane varied from species to species, as well as within species (in the foot, central or marginal zones of the mantle). The ultrastructure of the lamina densa was broadly similar to that in mammals: although basotubules and double pegs were absent, proteoglycans and rod-like units homologous to 'double tracks' were always abundant. A zone similar to the lamina lucida was irregularly present and was shot thorough with small protrusions of the lamina densa that connected with the epithelial hemidesmosomes or focal adhesions. Nevertheless zones were observed where the lamina densa fuse directly to the epithelial plasmamembrane. This variability of connection may be related to the various types of epidermal cell. A lamina fibroreticularis was not recognized since anchoring fibrils and microfibrils were not present; lamina densa protrusions into the extracellular matrix (ECM) of SEC characterize the connection between basement membrane and SEC. Collagen fibrils were small and of constant diameter and were never organised into fibres. Anchoring devices - similar to the anchoring plaques of mammalian dermis - were abundant and scattered between SEC collagen fibrils. The orange-pink pigmentation of C. chione seems due to electron-dense granules embedded within the connective ECM.     

Fibronectin in basement membrane of hertwig's epithelial sheath

Summary The distribution of fibronectin throughout the basement membrane of Hertwig's epithelial sheath was studied using specific antibodies with the immunoperoxidase technique in both light and electron microscopy.—Our results demonstrate that, after collagenase digestion in situ, the basement membrane was strongly labelled by antifibronectin antibodies on the lamina lucida, the lamina densa and the lamina (pars) fibroreticularis which contained aperiodic fibrils of 5–10 nm in diameter.     

In vitro and post-transplantation differentiation of human keratinocytes grown on the human type IV collagen film of a bilayered dermal substitute

Using human type IV and type I + III collagens and a new, nontoxic cross-linking procedure, we have developed a cell-free bilayered human dermal substitute for organotypic culture and transplantation of human skin keratinocytes. We have studied the formation of the basement membrane, and the differentiation of keratinocytes grown on the type IV collagen layer of this dermal substitute, in vitro and after grafting onto nude mice. These studies demonstrated the formation of essential constituents of the basement membrane in culture: hemidesmosomes and deposition of extracellular matrix on the top of the type IV collagen were observed as early as 6 days after plating of human keratinocytes. Although the keratinocytes formed a well-organized multilayered epithelium, they exhibited limited differentiation when grown submerged in liquid medium. However, the multilayered sheet obtained after 14 days in submerged culture was composed of a regular basal cell layer, several nucleated suprabasal cell layers containing granular cells, and several dense, anucleated cell layers. The grafting experiments have shown a good biocompatibility of the dermal substitute. It is repopulated by fibroblasts, newly synthesized collagen, vessels, and a few mononuclear cells. At Day 14 after grafting, the type IV collagen layer was still present and very dense, and the basement membrane appeared as in culture, with numerous well-structured hemidesmosomes and deposition of extracellular matrix resembling lamina densa. At Day 55 after transplantation, even if the epidermal graft did not exhibit all the characteristics of the normal epidermis in vivo, it was very close to it. At this stage, the basement membrane was complete, with structures clearly indicative of anchoring fibrils. This new dermal substitute offers many advantages. It is stable and easy to handle. Its production is standardized. The oxidation induced by periodic acid led to a nontoxic cross-linked matrix. This dermal substitute is the first one entirely composed of human collagens. The type I + III collagen underlayer is reorganized when grafted. It supports a type IV collagen top layer which offers an excellent substrate for keratinocytes, favors their anchorage, and favors the formation of the basement membrane in vitro. This dermal substitute could be useful for wound coverage or as an in vitro model for toxicological and pharmacological studies.     

Monoclonal antibody GB3, a new probe for the study of human basement membranes and hemidesmosomes

A monoclonal antibody, GB3, has been raised against human amnion. Not only does GB3 bind to amniotic basement membrane, but it also recognizes an antigenic structure expressed by epidermal as well as by some other human basement membranes. This antigen is synthesized (and excreted) by cultured normal human epidermal keratinocytes. It is expressed to a lesser extent by the A431 epidermoid carcinoma cell line, but is not expressed by the SV40 virus-transformed SVK14 keratinocyte cell line. In ultrastructural studies, this antigen was located in the epidermal basement membrane, both in the lamina densa and in the lamina lucida, associated with hemidesmosomes. It was identified as a protein by in vitro proteolytic cleavage studies. The radio-immunoprecipitates from cultured human keratinocytes, analysed by SDS-PAGE, showed that GB3 recognized five polypeptides of 93.5, 125, 130, 146 and 150 kD under reducing conditions. They were probably linked by disulfide bonds. The tissue distribution of the antigen and the molecular weights (MWs) of its constitutive polypeptides suggest that it is different from other known components of basement membranes. It may provide a biochemical marker for hemidesmosomes. Furthermore, GB3 represents an interesting and original clinical probe, since the antigenic structure recognized by GB3 is lacking in Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa, a lethal genodermatosis in which a dermo-epidermal splitting occurs at the level of lamina lucida.     

Distribution, ultrastructural localization, and ontogeny of the core protein of a heparan sulfate proteoglycan in human skin and other basement membranes

A variety of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) have been identified on cell surfaces and in basement membrane (BM). To more fully characterize HSPG in human skin BM, we used two monoclonal antibodies (MAb) directed against epitopes of the core protein of a high molecular weight HSPG isolated from murine EHS tumor. Indirect immunofluorescence revealed linear distribution of HSPG within all skin BM, and within BM of all other human organs investigated. In a study of the ontogeny of HSPG in human skin BM, HSPG was detectable as early as 54 gestational days, comparable with other ubiquitous BM components, such as laminin and type IV collagen. Immunoelectron microscopy on adult skin and neonatal foreskin showed staining primarily within the lamina densa (LD) and sub-lamina densa regions of the dermoepidermal junction (DEJ) and vascular BM. In neonatal foreskin, additional staining was noted of basilar cytoplasmic membranes of keratinocytes, endothelial cells, and pericytes. We conclude that the core protein of a high molecular weight HSPG is ubiquitous in human BM, appears in fetal skin on or before 54 days, and is present primarily in the regions of the LD and sub-LD.     

Characterization of the baboon erythrocyte C3b-binding protein

E from primates demonstrate type 1 CR (CR1) with binding specificities for C3b and C4b. In the present study we characterized the E C3b-binding protein of baboons. We showed that three out of four mouse mAb and one polyclonal antiserum, raised against human E CR1, cross-reacted with baboon E. In addition, one anti-human CR1 mAb (1B4) and a polyclonal anti-human CR1 inhibited the binding of C3b opsonized immune complexes to baboon E. Finally, a mAb to human CR1 (E11) recognized epitopes on E of a variety of nonhuman primates, including baboons. SDS-PAGE analysis of biochemically purified baboon E membrane fractions reactive with E11 demonstrated a 65-kDa protein as a major component. Affinity absorption and elution experiments verified this protein to be E11 reactive as well as a C3b binding protein. E surface radiolabeling, followed by C3i affinity purification, confirmed that this 65-kDa protein is the only C3b-binding protein present on the baboon E membrane. We postulate that the baboon E 65-kDa protein is the equivalent of the human E CR1. In addition, there appear to be antigenic similarities between the baboon E 65-kDa protein and the human E CR1.     

Collagen fibril diameters increase and fibril densities decrease in skin subjected to repetitive compressive and shear stresses

Understanding microstructural changes that occur in skin subjected to repetitive mechanical stress is crucial towards the development of therapies to enhance skin adaptation and load tolerance in patients at risk of skin breakdown (e.g. prosthesis users, wheelchair users). To determine if collagen fibril diameter, collagen fibril density, dermal thickness, epidermal thickness, basement membrane length, and dermal cell density changed in response to repetitive stress application, skin subjected to moderate cyclic compressive and shear stresses for 1 h/d, 5 d/week, for 4 week was compared with skin from an unstressed contralateral control. The lateral aspects of the hind limbs of 12 Landrace/Yorkshire pigs were used. Skin from under the stressed site and a contralateral control site was processed for electron microscopy and light microscopy analysis. Electron microscopy results demonstrated significant (p<0.01) increases in collagen fibril diameter of 15.9%, 22.4%, and 22.9% for the upper, mid, and lower layers of the dermis, respectively, for the stressed skin compared with the control skin. Collagen fibril density (fibrils/unit cross-sectional area) decreased significantly for stressed vs. control by 19.8%, 29.2%, and 31.8% for the upper, mid, and lower layers, respectively. Light microscopy results demonstrated trends of a decrease in dermal thickness and an increase in cell density for stressed vs. control samples, but the differences were not significant. Differences in epidermal thickness and basement membrane length were not significant. These results demonstrate that quantifiable changes occur in collagen fibril architecture but not in the gross tissue morphology following in vivo cyclic loading of pig skin.