Scanning electron microscopy of a blister roof in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.
In dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa the genetic defect of anchoring fibrils leads to cleavage beneath the basement membrane, with its consequent loss. We performed scanning electron microscopy of an inverted blister roof of a case of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, confirmed by immunomapping and gene sequencing. With a magnification of 2000 times a net attached to the blister roof could be easily identified. This net was composed of intertwined flat fibers. With higher magnifications, different fiber sizes could be observed, some thin fibers measuring around 80 nm and thicker ones measuring between 200 and 300 nm.
Federal University of Pelotas, PelotasRS, Brazil, PhD, Assistent Professor of Dermatology - Federal University of Pelotas and Catholic University of Pelotas (UFPel) - Pelotas (RS), Brazil.
Hiram Larangeira de
HL
Almeida
Postgraduate Program in Health, Catholic University of Pelotas, PelotasRS, Brazil, Postgraduate Program in Health, Catholic University of Pelotas (UCPel) - Pelotas (RS), Brazil.
Luciane
L
Monteiro
Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, Federal University of Pelotas, PelotasRS, Brazil, Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) - Pelotas (RS), Brazil.
Ricardo
R
Marques e Silva
Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, PelotasRS, Brazil, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA-CPA-CT) - Pelotas (RS), Brazil.
Nara Moreira
NM
Rocha
Human Genetics Department, DNA Diagnostics Division, Medical Center, Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands, PhD - Human Genetics Department, DNA Diagnostics Division, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Netherlands.
Hans
H
Scheffer
D001485:Basement Membrane / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001768:Blister / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D024141:Collagen Type IV / Q000648:ultrastructure; D024143:Collagen Type VII / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016108:Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012867:Skin / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014463:Ultrasonography
D024141:Collagen Type IV; D024143:Collagen Type VII