Phase-contrast microtomography with synchrotron radiation technology: a new noninvasive technique to analyze the three-dimensional structure of dermal tissues.
BACKGROUND
Since the three-dimensional (3-D) structure of dermal tissue has an important role in regulating cell behavior and directing the wound healing process, the characteristic of the 3-D structure of dermal tissue needs to be clarified.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the different 3-D structures between normal and scar dermal tissues.


METHODS
Phase-contrast microtomography with synchrotron radiation technology was applied to detect the 3-D structure of dermal tissues.


RESULTS
The normal dermal tissue consists of elliptical structures formed by fiber bundles interwoven in a helical manner. A regular louver-like structure was observed on the fibers. In scar tissue, the fiber bundles were arrayed in parallel, the louver-like structures were disordered.


CONCLUSIONS
The study demonstrates the mesoscopic difference between normal dermal tissue and scar tissue, suggests that the high level of interweaving capability of collagen is compromised/lost when dermal tissue is injured, and provides a basis for future studies.
Shanghai Burn Institute, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, PR China.
Yuzhi
Y
Jiang
Yajun
Y
Tong
Tiqiao
T
Xiao
Shuliang
S
Lu
D002921:Cicatrix / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003094:Collagen / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D020405:Dermis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D017356:Synchrotrons; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography / Q000379:methods*
D003094:Collagen