Three-dimensional fine structures in deep fascia revealed by combined use of cryo-fixed histochemistry and low-vacuum scanning microscopy

Recent physiological studies have shown that the deep fascia has received much attention concerning clinical medicine; however, histological examination of the deep fascia has not been well established. In this study, we aimed to clarify and visualize the structure of the deep fascia by taking advan...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scientific reports 2023-04, Vol.13 (1), p.6352-6352, Article 6352
Main Authors: Imazato, Hiroyuki, Takahashi, Nobuyasu, Hirakawa, Yusuke, Yamaguchi, Yoichiro, Hiyoshi, Masaru, Tajima, Takuya, Chosa, Etsuo, Sawaguchi, Akira
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
692/308
692/698
Blood vessels
Collagen
Collagen - ultrastructure
Fascia
Fascia - physiology
Fibers
Histochemistry
Humanities and Social Sciences
Microscopy
Microscopy, Confocal
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
Morphology
multidisciplinary
Peripheral nerves
Physiology
Scanning electron microscopy
Science
Science (multidisciplinary)
Vacuum
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Summary:Recent physiological studies have shown that the deep fascia has received much attention concerning clinical medicine; however, histological examination of the deep fascia has not been well established. In this study, we aimed to clarify and visualize the structure of the deep fascia by taking advantage of cryofixation techniques and low-vacuum scanning electron microscopy. As a result, the ultrastructural observations revealed three-dimensional stratification of the deep fascia composed of three layers: the first superficial layer consisting of collagen fibers extending in various directions with blood vessels and peripheral nerves; the second intermediate layer formed by single straight and thick collagen fibers with flexibility; and the third deepest layer, consisting of relatively straight and thin collagen fibers. We explored the use of two hooks to hold a piece of deep fascia in place through the course of cryo-fixation. A comparative observation with or without the hook-holding procedure would indicate the morphological adaptation to physiological stretch and contraction of the deep fascia. The present morphological approach paves the way to visualize three-dimensional ultrastructures for future biomedical studies including clinical pathophysiology.
ISSN:2045-2322
2045-2322
DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-33479-3