Increase in types IV and VI collagen in cherry haemangiomas

Abstract

Summary. The capillaries in cherry haemangiomas show perivascular hyalinized sheaths. In order to clarify the nature of this sheath material, the extracellular matrix of cherry haemangiomas from 20 normal volunteers (age range 30-64 years) was investigated using immunohistochemical and electronmicroscopical methods. Antibodies against collagen types III, IV and VI and laminin were used. Hyaluronic acid was visualized using the hyaluronic acid binding region of the cartilage proteoglycan as ligand. Electronmicroscopically, the sheaths contained multilaminated basement membrane-like material, collagen fibres 20-25 nm thick with a periodicity of 67 nm and broadbanded aggregates with a periodicity of 100 nm (zebra bodies or fibrous long-spacing fibres). Immunohistochemically, type IV collagen was stained throughout the whole sheath material. Staining for laminin was more confined to the endothelial side of the sheath. Intense staining for type III collagen and hyaluronic acid was found in the connective tissue of the subpapillary layer and between the cherry haemangioma capillaries. Much weaker staining for type III coUagen and no staining for hyaluronic acid were found invariably in an area 4-10 [tm thick directly around the capillaries. Both sheath material and intercapillary connective tissue of the haemangiomas showed pronounced staining for collagen type VL Immunogold staining revealed that type VI collagen was localized to microfihrils 5-6 nm thick and to the broad-banded aggregates with 100 nm periodicity. These findings further underline the assumption that the broad-banded aggregates consist of type VI collagen.

Cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy associated with intravascular occlusive fibrin thrombi

“…Luse bodies (long spacing collagen) were frequently seen and while they are non‐specific finding associated with a large number of pathologic conditions, the formation of this abnormal collagen may be related to abnormalities of collagen assembly and organization . It has also been shown that long spacing collagen contains collagen Type VI which is not usually seen in normal skin but can be seen in association with hemodynamically stressed vessels, further supporting the idea of endothelial stress and damage as a contributing factor to the telangiectatic process . Although the primary event appears to be injury to the endothelial cells, the factor or agent inciting the endothelial cell damage remains unknown.…”

“…21,22 It has also been shown that long spacing collagen contains collagen Type VI which is not usually seen in normal skin but can be seen in association with hemodynamically stressed vessels, further supporting the idea of endothelial stress and damage as a contributing factor to the telangiectatic process. 23 Although the primary event appears to be injury to the endothelial cells, the factor or agent inciting the endothelial cell damage remains unknown.…”

Type-VI Collagen as a Major Component in the Interstitial Matrix of Cutaneous Mechanoreceptors.

“…Previous authors have suggested that increased stress or strain on connective tissue may augment the formation of type-VI collagen or FLS fibers in vessels and nerves (TAMM et al, 1992). Therefore, it is conceivable that the age-related accumulation of type-VI collagen in Meissner's corpuscles is a consequence of …”

Cutaneous Collagenous Vasculopathy

“…HHT or hereditary benign telangiectasia (considered an abortive form) shows dilatation of the capillaries and PCV of the superficial papillary plexus with thin walls and in HHT, thickened vessels are also found in the deep dermis. 11,28 This abnormal collagen was not found in another previously reported case examined by electron microscopy, 3 likely related to inadequate fixation because granular material was reported in the vessel walls; however, there is no mention of the methods used for collecting and processing tissue for electron microscopy. 1-4 CCV is characterized by variable ectasia or dilation of the PCV of the superficial dermis with thickened walls containing hyaline material with marked collagen deposition, 1 characteristically displaying laminated concentric concretions surrounding the vascular BM 2 on PAS/PAS-D stain, 2-4 and also highlighted with Masson trichrome stain 1,5,6 and exhibit immunoreactivity to collagen 4.…”