ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the differences between normotrophic and hypertrophic scars of lip after the surgical repair of the unilateral complete cleft lip in density of microvessels and the pattern of angiogenesis.Methods Hypertrophic scars (n=11) and normotrophic scars (n=20) were collected after correction of deformity of the unilateral complete cleft lip,and the tissues were stained with haematoxylin and eosin,and immunostained with anti-CD34 antibody.The structure of scar was observed and the microvessels were counted according to the CD34 expression.Using ImageJ software,the capillary density and length of the major and minor axes were measured,and the major:minor axes ratio was calculated.Results By statistical analysis of the capillary density,the length of the major and minor axes and the major:minor axes ratio were measured;we clarified that there were more capillaries in hypertrophic scars (87.91 ± 5.95)/mm2 than in normotrophic scars (49.84 ± 7.05)/mm2,(P＜0.01),and the length of the major and minor axes of hypertrophic scars (38.36± 26.36)and (17.33±10.45) μm were longer than the normotrophic scars (13.77±9.56)and (9.00± 5.14) μm,(P＜0.05.) The major:minor axes ratio of hypertrophic scars (2.85±0.57) was higher than the normotrophic scars (2.85 ± 0.57) (P＜0.01).Conclusions The significant increase in the density of microvessels and the variation in the pattern and morphology of angiogenesis are related to the formation and development of scar after operation of upper lip.