Immunohistochemical investigation of pericytes in chronic venous insufficiency

Patients with chronic venous insufficiency show typical glomerulum like alterations of cutaneous capillaries. Objective of this study was to determine any changes of the alignment of pericytes around cutaneous capillaries in CVI patients. Skin biopsies from the area of the medial malleolus were taken from 42 patients with CVI, 5 healthy individuals and 11 cadavers without history of CVI. Sections were stained with HHF35, anti alpha and gamma muscle actin with the avidin-biotin-peroxidase method (ABC) and anti vimentin with the alkaline phosphatase anti-alkaline phosphatase technique (APAAP). The stage of stasis dermatosis was assessed and sections were examined for pericyte changes. Among the collective of 42 patients with CVI, 31 patients showed slight or severe pericyte changes, 11 patients were without changes. None of the sections from cadavers or healthy patients showed any pericyte changes. Pericytes are among other functions possibly involved in microvasculature regulation and wound healing. Thus destruction of the pericyte envelope might lead to microcirculatory dysfunction. This could be one of the causes that lead to leg ulcers in CVI.