Keratinization of Human split Skin Autografts: A Light and Electron Microscopic Study

Abstract

Biopsies from human split skin autografts have been studied under the light and the electron microscope. The examination included specimens taken at operation and at certain intervals up to 4 months after transplantation. The keratinization process decreased during most of the first week after transplantation. During the second week keratinization increased and keratohyalin granules occurred in up to six cell layers. The number of cell layers with keratohyalin normalized during the third and fourth week of healing. Normalization was more rapid in grafts applied to the hand, arm, and shoulder than in those to the abdomen, leg and foot.