Abstract:

Objective〓〖WTBZ〗To observe the changes of number and morphology of nerve fibers in different periods of hypertrophic scar(HS). 〖WTHZ〗Methods〓〖WTBZ〗Samples were obtained from post-burn or post-traumatic(1 months-23 years) patients and divided into two groups: the proliferative HS group (＜six months) and the mature HS group (＞six months). The control samples were taken from donor sites of patients. Immunofluorescent staining technique with anti-neurofilament(NF) monoclonal antibody was employed to determine the expression of NF in scars and normal skin. The morphology of nerve fibers in hypertrophic scars and normal skin was investigated with a light microscope and a laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM). 〖WTHZ〗Results〓〖WTBZ〗The positive area ratio of nerve fibers was much higher in the proliferative HS group than in the control group（P＜0.05), and the nerve fiber was in an irregular shape and had a disordered distribution with local swelling, twisting and disconnection. However, the positive area ratio of nerve fibers was much lower in the mature HS group than in the control group（P＜0.05), and the nerve fiber was orderly arranged with the continuance of inner structure and stereoscopic structure similar to normal skin. 〖WTHZ〗Conclusion〓〖WTBZ〗Innervation in HS gradually changes with scarring maturation, and nerve fibers may play roles in scar formation related to the morphologic changes.

Key words: Cicatrix, hypertrophic, Neurofilament proteins, Innervation, Nerve regeneration