Expression of desmoglein 1 in cryopreserved human skin

Objective To observe the distribution of desmoglein 1（Dsg 1） in cryopreserved human skin and to investigate its relation with skin cryoinjury. Methods Skin tissues cryopreserved under 5 different conditions were stained with immunohistochemistry using antibodies of dsg 1. Computer image quantitative analysis was used to measure DSG 1 level in epidermal tissues. Changes in structure of epidermal tissue were observed with H＆E staining. Results Compared to the normal human skin, no significant change was found in the histological structure of and desmoglein1 level in human skin preserved at -196℃. However, significant destruction and decreased Dsg 1 level were observed in human skin preserved at 4℃, -20℃, and -80℃. Conclusion Skin cryoinjury may be correlated with the destruction of desmoglein 1.