Electron Microscopic Studies on the Epidermis in Human Split-Skin Autografts

Abstract

Repeated biopsy specimens were taken from split-skin autografts, in man during healing, and were studied by light and electron microscopy. The investigation comprises six series of biopsies. The biopsy specimens taken, had a healing time varying from one day to four months. The series were analyzed and the morphologic changes following transplantation were studied by comparing the results of the different series.

The earliest changes were observed in the basal membrane, which already after 24 hours became irregular and in places thickened. In the spinous layer of the epidermis increasing nuclear edema was demonstrated; this was most pronounced about the fifth day of healing and thereafter gradually decreased. The keratohyaline granulae in the granular layer of the epidermis decreased appreciably during the third day, after which they recurred; then, after about two weeks they were found to be present in several cell layers more than normally and thereafter were normalized. In the third week following transplantation, the basal membrane was doubled in some parts, which was observed for about six weeks.