Needle biopsy derived myofascial tissue samples are sufficient for quantification of myofibroblast density

Abstract

Introduction: Quantification of myofibroblasts is a promising method for assessing tissue properties in the field of fascia research. This is commonly performed by immunohistochemistry for α-smooth muscle actin. However, usually larger tissue samples sizes are required for quantification. The aim of this investigation was to explore whether a microscopic quantification of myofibroblasts can be conducted with fascial tissue samples derived via percutaneous needle biopsy.

Materials and Methods: Fascial tissues were derived via percutaneous needle biopsy from the fascia lata of 11 persons (aged 19 to 40 years). Following immunohistochemistry, selected fields for photomicroscopic analysis were chosen by a Monte Carlo method based randomization procedure. On these fields a digital quantification for the relative density of α-smooth muscle actin was attempted.

Results: The newly developed quantification method could successfully be applied in all tissue samples. The median α-smooth muscle actin density in the selected tissue samples ranged between 0% and 1.7% (median 0%, IQR 0%–0.001%).

Conclusions: The applied protocol proved to be workable for the purpose of an estimation of the α-smooth muscle actin density in fascial tissue samples derived via percutaneous needle biopsy. Since this type of biopsy is less invasive than the commonly performed open muscle biopsy, this offers a new and useful perspective for future histological investigations of fascial tissue properties in living patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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