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

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.