Ultrastructural study of regenerated skin after deep dermal and third degree burns

Epidermal regeneration in 17 patients with deep dermal and third degree burns was studied by light and electron microscopy. At the junction between the regenerated epidermis and granulation, a fibrin network or collagen fibrils arranged in a similar form covered the regenerated epidermal cells. In the deep layer of the regenerated epidermis, squamous cells contained rich glycogen granules in the cytoplasm and the basement membrane appeared under these cells. In the ulcerated area, fibroblastic cells with rich, rough endoplasmic reticulum and granules were found in the extracellular matrix composed of collagen fibrils and amorphous substance. Regeneration of the epidermis seems to be facilitated by anchorage of the regenerating cells in the fibrillar network as well as by formation of the basement membrane, which probably is produced by the squamous and fibroblastic cells.