The Presence of Myofibroblasts in the Dermis of Patients with Dupuytren’s Contracture

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Abstract
Samples of skin and underlying cord obtained at dermofasciectomy for Dupuytren’s contracture have been examined for the presence of smooth muscle α-actin (SM α-actin), a marker for myofibroblasts. 15 of the 20 samples stained positively for SM α-actin corresponding with areas of hypercellular Dupuytren’s tissue. In 12 of these 15 samples SM α-actin-positive hypercellular Dupuytren’s tissue extended into the dermis, in three cases reaching the epidermis. In eight samples, diffusely distributed cells positive for SM α-actin and resembling fibroblasts were seen in the dermis. These cells appeared to be separate from the Dupuytren’s foci. The presence of hypercellular foci and isolated fibroblasts positive for SM α-actin within the dermis may explain the high recurrence rate of Dupuytren’s disease after fasciectomy.