Human melanocytic naevi. II. Depth of dermal protrusion: comparative measurements of the basement membrane zone and diameters of intracellular microfibrils using a microcomputer analysis system

Abstract

Thirteen acquired melanocytic naevi and five control skin biopsies were taken and fixed for observation both in the light and electron microscope. The thickness of the basement membrane, the distance of the naevus protrusion into the dermis, the number of anchoring fibrils attached to the lamina densa and the diameter of intracellular filaments in the naevus cells were measured. Comparative measurements were made in the electron microscope, from micrograph negatives and from micrographs. A non dedicated microcomputer digital analysis system developed specifically from this type of analysis, was also used.