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The human cutaneous basement membrane--anchoring fibril complex: preparation and ultrastructure
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|April 1, 1977
Summary
Researchers isolated the human cutaneous basement membrane (CBM) with anchoring fibrils (AF) using ultrasound. This CBM-AF complex revealed the strongest bond is between the basement membrane and anchoring fibrils.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- The dermal-epidermal junction is crucial for skin integrity.
- Understanding the structural components and their interactions is vital for skin research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate the human cutaneous basement membrane (CBM) with its associated anchoring fibrils (AF).
- To characterize the CBM-AF complex and analyze the bonds at the dermal-epidermal junction.
Main Methods:
- Skin samples were treated with 2N NaSCN to remove the epidermis.
- High-intensity ultrasound was used to detach the CBM-AF complex from the dermis.
- Low-speed sedimentation was employed for purification.
- Electron microscopy monitored all isolation stages.
Main Results:
- The CBM-AF complex was successfully isolated with preserved morphology.
- A novel ultrasound-induced collagen alteration, 'disordered collagen,' was observed.
- The bond between the basement membrane and anchoring fibrils was identified as the strongest at the dermal-epidermal junction.
Conclusions:
- The CBM-AF complex can be effectively isolated using a combination of chemical treatment and ultrasound.
- Ultrasound can induce changes in collagen morphology.
- The basement membrane-anchoring fibril linkage is a key determinant of dermal-epidermal adhesion.